Robert “Bud” Bates, 88, of Owensboro, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025 while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born June 14, 1936 in Princeton, Indiana to the late John and Helen Hughes Bates. Bud pioneered the testing and repair of water meters. He was an accomplished businessman in the water meter industry for 70 years, held patents and set the standard in the industry. He was a gunnery sergeant U.S. Marine Corp Reserve for 17 years and was a semi-pro bowler.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Priscilla Bates; two sisters, Bonnie Lance and Joyce Ann Bates; brother, Joe Bates; and stepson, John Jourdan.
He is survived by a daughter, Teri Roll of Evansville; two sons, Bret Bates (Noelle) of Ft. Myers, Florida and Tony Bates of Owensboro; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; brothers, Ed, Jerry, Tommy, Tim, and Jeffrey; sisters, Patricia, Priscilla, Barbara, and Pam; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.