Robert Lee Bates Jr., 48, was born on December 23, 1968 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the oldest child born to the union of Robert Bates Sr. and Henrietta Bates. After an extended illness, he departed this life on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Research Medical Center with his wife at his bedside. He was preceded in death by his mother, Henrietta Thomas-Scott; step mother, Delores Bates; oldest son, Robert Lee Bates III; and paternal and maternal grandparents. Robert was educated in both private and public schools of Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in Tullahassee, OK. He received his Master's degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from Faith Bible College in Independence, MO. Robert served in the United States Army, where he received several honors. He accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age at Swope Parkway Church of Christ in Kansas City, MO. Later he joined Trinity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Curford E. Dixon Sr. and accepted his call into Ministry at New Vision Christian Church under the leadership of Dr. Kevin L. Harris, Sr. Robert was married to Marcella Barner on August 21, 1988. Robert was the father to six children. He was a power generator repairman in the Army, an environmental specialist for the Kansas City, Missouri School District and an electrician for several companies. He was also the owner of Top Notch Painting. Robert went on to retire in 2005. Robert was a Minister and member of the following ministries at New Vision Christian Church: Voices of Thunder, Men of Character, Property Manager, and the Marriage Ministry. He was a proud member of AA, CA, the DAV and the IBEW Union #53. Robert enjoyed smoking and grilling meats, spending time with his grandchildren and family, traveling, fishing and spending time in the country with his father. His favorite pass-time was watching Old Western movies and Sports, as well as roller skating with his mother. Cherishing his memory and celebrating his life are: his wife, Marcella Bates; his children, Rodgerick Bates, Sr. (Tomesha Bates) of Kansas City, MO, Marcus Neal, Sr. of Chaska, MN, La-Kquesha Gaffney (Kristofer Gaffney) of Dallas, TX, Mercedes Pouncil and Mariah Bates of Kansas City, MO; his father, Roberts L. Bates, Sr. (Naomi Bates) of Tullahassee, OK; step father, Scottie Scott of Kansas City, MO; three brothers, Bryant L. Bates, Sr. of Tullahassee, OK, Deon Thomas-Scott and Justice Thomas-Scott of Kansas City, MO; two step brothers, Willie B. Jackson of Killeen, TX and Andre Fanniel of Kansas City, MO; three sisters, Lovie Michelle Bates of Muskogee, OK, La'India Thomas-Scott and I'India Thomas-Scott of Kansas City, MO; one step sister, Sheri McFadden of Kansas City, MO; five grandchildren and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Robert also played the role as a father, God father, and grandfather to many others. Funeral services Saturday, September 23, 11:00 a.m. at New Vision Christian Center. Interment Brooking Cemetery. Visitation 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.