Brockton – Parker W. Bates, Jr. 66, formerly of Whitman, died Monday February 11. He was the former husband of Christine (Romano) Bates of Brockton.
Born in Weymouth and raised in Whitman he was the son of the late and former police officer Parker W. Bates, Sr. and a graduate of Whitman-Hanson High where he excelled in athletics and will be remembered as a “star” of the Panther football team. He furthered his education at Northeastern University, graduating in 1971.
He was a proud Veteran of the Vietnam War having served in the US Army from 1967-1970 and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service.
Parker had been a longtime resident of Whitman before his move to Brockton 19 years ago. From 1974 to 2009 he had had served as a police officer for the Town of Whitman, and had worked for several years in the betting booths for the former Taunton-Raynham dog track. He also worked for seven years in the accounting field for H&R Block.
He enjoyed his trips to Foxwoods, the challenge of a good crossword puzzle, and had also spent many hours creating “paint by number” paintings.
In addition to his former wife Christine he is survived by his children Sarah Bates of Brockton, Laura Lambert of Pembroke, Rachel LaPlante of Pembroke and Matthew, Melissa, Samantha and Michaela Bates all of Brockton, his brothers Harry Bates of Whitman and Buddy Garnet of Virginia and his sisters Melissa, Caroline, and Dottie all of Virginia. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Parker W. Bates, III.
His funeral service will be held Thursday February 14 at 7 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will be at a later date in St. James Cemetery, Whitman. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 3-7 PM.
Donations may be made to the Michaela & Matthew Bates Education Fund C/O Mutual Bank, Box 150, Whitman, MA 02382.