R. Carl Bates

Robert Carl Bates, 80, of Ashton, passed away October 24, 2025, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Carl was born January 10, 1945, in Houston, MO, to Hubert Bates and Ruth Williams Bates. He grew up and attended Shawnee Mission School in Kansas City, KS, and he later finished his schooling in Ashton, ID.

On August 31, 1963, he married his sweetheart, Bonnie Phillips, in Ashton, ID. Carl and Bonnie made their home in Ashton, ID, where he worked as a logger and saw miller. Carl formed a partnership with Ernest Carlson, known as C&B Timber, that lasted over 20 years, owning 2 sawmills and a large logging operation that was a major employer in the local community. He later pursued his love for golf and the outdoors, with his wife, Bonnie (together,they could accomplish anything), led to the creation of Timberline Golf Course.

He loved to hunt, fish, and of course, golf. He loved listening to his grandchildren and great grandchildren's hunting stories and always gave great advice on anything you would ask him. He had many friends who he guided and looked up to him.

Carl is survived by his wife, Bonnie Bates; son, John C. Bates, son, Robert L. Bates, and daughter-in-law, Berta Bates ; 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Ruth Bates; son, Billy James Bates; and brothers, Norman Bates, and Bill Bates.

Private family services will be at a later date.