John Roger Bates

John "Roger" Bates, born in 1930 in Lansing, Michigan, lived a life defined by faith, service, family, and a deep love of community. He was the son of John "Jack" and Leila Bates and grew up alongside his two brothers, Richard “Dick” and Bob in Lansing, where he developed an early passion for sports and teamwork.  

Roger knew how to play any sport, but he excelled at football. He grew up in a sports-minded family. They watched football games every Sunday and had Sunday dinner during half-time. Roger preferred watching college football, however, years later, both him and his son John followed the Packers.

Roger was active in athletics from a young age and played football throughout high school and in September 2015, his football team was inducted into Sexton's Athletic Hall of Fame. Roger eventually earned a college football scholarship at Albion. His love of sports and mentoring young people led him to a career in education. Roger dedicated many years to teaching middle school physical education and math, and he especially loved coaching. Among his favorite roles was coaching Little League, where he delighted in encouraging young athletes and helping them grow both on and off the field. 

In August 1955, Roger married the love of his life, Joann Henry. Together they shared 64 devoted years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. They adopted their son, John, and welcomed their daughter, RoAnn. Roger and Joann created a home filled with love and adventure. 

Faith played a central role throughout Roger’s life. Raised in the Methodist church, he attended services every Sunday in Lansing and remained a committed servant of Christ throughout his lifetime. He was an active member of the following Methodist congregations:   Central Methodist Church of Lansing,MI; First United Methodist Church of Sturgis, MI; and West Grove United Methodist Church of West Grove, PA. Both Roger and Joann served on many committees through their church (WGUMC) and attended Sunday School and Bible Studies regularly. Roger particularly enjoyed volunteering at his church in a wide variety of roles. Roger had a passion for doing mission work. In 2003, he accompanied several WGUMC members on a mission trip to South Dakota to help build bunk beds for children living on a Native American Reservation. His faith inspired him to serve others both locally and around the world. At one point, Roger and his family spent three years living overseas, where he taught at Kodaikanal School, a Missionary School in South India.

Roger continued his dedication to service in many ways over the years. In Michigan and later in Pennsylvania, he helped coordinate the CROP Hunger Walk working with staff at Neighborhood Services Center, to raise awareness and support for those facing food insecurity and poverty. While living in Pennsylvania, he volunteered with Christian Aid Ministries, helping package and send essential supplies to people in need across the globe. He also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and regularly supported Vacation Bible School at his church by engaging in outside activities with the kids..

In 1996, Roger and Joann moved to West Grove, Pennsylvania, after their granddaughter Rachelle was born, eager to support their daughter RoAnn and help raise their growing family. Roger embraced his role as a grandfather with enthusiasm and love. He shared a special bond with his three grandchildren, Rachelle, Charlie, and Luke, spending countless hours playing outside and learning about nature, teaching them new skills, and enjoying endless evenings of card games together.

Roger believed in staying active and engaged with life. Even in his later years, he remained a dedicated member of the YMCA, where he enjoyed walking, working out, and socializing and having coffee with his friends. He and Joann also cherished time spent with their close circle of friends, gathering weekly for dominoes and card games, especially their favorite, Hand and Foot. Roger and his family enjoyed their monthly shopping trips at Trader Joe's and eating at Panera Bread.  They had many family/friend celebrations at Applebee's

.

Roger found joy in the simple pleasures of life: the beauty of nature, meaningful friendships, and discovering new places and cultures through travel. He was a master gardener who lovingly tended flower gardens at his Church and at his continuing care community. Remember the red fern Celosia???  Roger and Joann also volunteered at Longwood Gardens, where some of his happiest moments were spent watching his grandchildren explore and run through the gardens.  Roger volunteered for the AGSD tutoring 7th and 8th students in math along with answering phones in the Administrative building.

He attended many functions at the Avon grove High school including football and basketball games and went to several plays and musicals with Joann.They both were very involved in all their grandchildrens' in-school and after school activities.

Roger was loved by many and will be remembered for his kindness, humility, generosity, and steady faith. His life touched countless people through his teaching, service, friendship, and devotion to family.

He is survived by his daughter, RoAnn, and his three grandchildren, Rachelle, Charlie, and Luke. His brother Dick, along with several nieces and nephews:  Leanna; Scott; Brian; Mary; Barbie; Eric, and Aaron.  He was preceded in death by his:  beloved wife Joann; son John; brother Bob; sister-in-laws Clara and Sandie; and nephew Mike.

Roger’s legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the communities he served, and the family he loved so deeply.

A Life Celebration/Open House will be held for John Roger Bates on Saturday, August 8th from noon to 5 PM at West Grove United Methodist Church 300 N. Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390.  We hope you can come and share photos and memories of Roger with Family and Friends.  IN LIEU of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Roger's favorite charities.  A list will be provided at the Church.  Kindly RSVP to RoAnn Schneider schneiderroann@gmail.com.  Thank You!!!

In Lieu of flowers, please consider supporting one of Roger's favorite Charities in Roger's name:

West Grove United Methodist Church

610-869-9334

First United Methodist Church of Sturgis

269-651-5990

Neighborhood Services Center of Oxford (CROP/Hunger Walk)

610-932-8557

Christian Aid Ministries

717-354-2434

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County

P.O. Box 1452

Coatesville, PA  

19320

Meals on Wheels of Chester County

610-430-8500 

American Red Cross

800-733-2767

Ware Presbyterian Village

610-998-2400

Kodaikanal International School/Kodai Friends International

206-696-1335

Willowtree Hospice

610-444-8733

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