WEBSTER - Richard S. “Snake Hips” Bates, 74, of Second Island Road, died Monday, May 23, 2011, at his son’s home after a long illness. His wife of 46 years, Sandra Lee (Daigneau) Bates, died in 2008.
He leaves a son, Bryan G. Bates and his wife Dorothy C. Bates of Spencer; a daughter, Cathy Bates of North Oxford; 2 grandchildren, Matthew and Megan Bates; nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Bates and by a sister, Janice Lowe.
He was born in Boston, the son of Clayton and Sylvia (Peterson) Bates. He was raised on the family farm in Dudley and moved to Webster at the time of his marriage in 1961. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1954.
Mr. Bates was a union truck driver for Wajer’s Express in Dudley for several years. He then owned and operated Webster Music on Main Street until recently.
He was a member of the Teamsters’ Union Local #170 in Auburn and of the Auburn-Webster Lodge of Elks #2118. He enjoyed hunting.
A memorial Mass for Mr. And Mrs. Bates will be offered at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 1, in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.