Clayton "Clay" Bates

Clayton Bates, 54, formerly of Idaho Falls, passed away on October 11, 2010, at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born February 4, 1956, in American Falls, Idaho, to Daniel Hyrum Bates and Thelma Freeman Bates. The family moved to Idaho Falls where he attended Whittier Elementary, Central Junior High and Skyline High School. He continued his education at Idaho State University. On November 1, 1973, he married Maria VaLyn Whitmill in Rigby, Idaho. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on November 1, 1975. He worked as a Superintendent of Construction. Clay was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had served in the Elder’s Quorum and as a Ward Missionary. He enjoyed fishing, camping, old cars, traveling, and loved to can, cook, and bake. Survivors are: Wife: Maria Bates, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Justin Matthew (Lisa) Bates, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Philip (Melissa) Bates, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Richard (Cindy) Bates, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Kara (Joel) Swafford, Las Vegas, NV Son: Ryan Bates, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Carolyn (Bill) Garner, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Darlene (John) Foster, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Susan (Raul) Garcia, Idaho Falls, ID 8 Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, and a granddaughter. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the Idaho Falls LDS North Stake Center, 955 Memorial Drive, with Bishop Greg Poulter of the Idaho Falls 13th Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 S. Ammon) and on Saturday from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park.

Funeral Services

2:00 p.m. ,Saturday, October 16, 2010 Idaho Falls LDS North Stake Center 955 Memorial Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 S. Ammon) and on Saturday from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial in Fielding Memorial Park