John M. Bates

February 26, 1962 - January 1, 2022

John M. Bates, age 59, of Johnstown, NY, passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022, with his family by his side at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, NY, due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis. Born on February 26, 1962, in Gloversville, NY, he was the son of the late Russell and Charity (Beebe) Bates. John was employed at R + L Carriers, in Troy, NY, as a truck operator. In his spare time, he liked all things outdoors such as hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. What John loved the most was spending time with his grandchildren. Together they would share tractor rides, sled in the winter, feed the birds in the backyard, and watch deer grazing in the field from the front porch. He is survived by the love of his life, Kellie Bates who he married on June 1, 1991; his children, John Bates Jr., Samantha Coppola (Chris), Ashley Bates (Kyle); his beloved Judge; sisters, Anna Becker, Debby Bates, Janice Winney (Phil); grandchildren, Katelyn, Levi, Christopher, Thomas, Karalynn, Helena, and Kyleigh; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his sisters, Barbara Thompson, Mary Jackson, Linda Gunneson, and Sharon Paul. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 12:00 PM at the Barter & Donnan Funeral Home, 1 N. Melcher Street, Johnstown, with Jeff Eaton, second council in the church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Gloversville. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s memory can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500 Chicago, Illinois 60611. (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pulfibfou/) Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com