Wilbur Dean Bates (94), of Lucas, departed for his eternal home on June 16th 2025, at the home of his son in Lucas Kansas. Born July 20, 1930 to Harvey and Rosie (Williams) Bates of rural Lucas, Dean was the eldest of 6 children. He received his primary education at the Shiloh country school and graduated from Lucas High School in 1948.
Dean married Helen Lee Prester on Dec. 6 1955 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. 4 children were born to this union. He made his home and raised his family in the Lucas community, first as a farmer/stockman, and later as a general manager for two area grain elevators: Lucas Grain, Lucas and Farmers Elevator, Sylvan Grove. Dean also worked as the fertilizer manager for the Central Kansas Mill and Elevator in Wilson.
Dean proudly served in the US Navy from 1950-1954, receiving a Purple Heart after sustaining injuries during his deployment on the Ernest G Small. He was also awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Metal and the National Defense Service Medal.
A member of the Blue Hill Lodge # 198 (Lucas), American Legion Post 267 (Lucas), ISIS/Shrine (Russell), Dean also served on the Lucas City Council and was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson. Later he attended the Lucas Community Church, Lucas. Dean was an avid square dancer and was devoted to his family and his community. He enjoyed woodworking in his garage and tending his rhubarb patch, his numerous flower beds, and his roses. His pride and joy were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He treasured the time he spent with them and he was affectionally known to them as “Pops”.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 53 years, infant son, Steven, daughter, Beth Wilson, granddaughter, Katherine Bates, sisters; Bernita May and Carolyn Bates, Brother-in-Laws Gene Seirer and Charles May.
Those left to mourn his passing include sons: Alan (Judy) Bates, Kensington, Jerry (Jennifer) Bates, Lucas, son-in-law Bob Wilson, Lucas, Grandchildren: Christopher (Allison) Bates, Mansfield, Ohio, Amanda Varner, Olathe, Krystal (Jeremy) Rothe, Phillipsburg, Jerra Bates, Chase, Amy (Daniel) Hernandez, Salina, Bill (Lucy) Patton, Chase, 15 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren, Brother: Melvin (Shirley) Bates, Lincoln, Nebraska, Sisters: Marilyn Seirer, Lucas, and Sandra (Jack) Gates, Topeka, many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Wilbur Dean Bates will be held on Saturday June 28, 2025 at 11 am at the Lucas Community Church, Lucas. Interment will follow at the Delhi Cemetery, rural Lucas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: American Legion Post 267, Lucas Community Church or the Lucas Golden Age Center.