Camden People - Kirby Bates

KIRBY D. BATES was born on June 21, 1938 in Island Falls, Maine to Rodney and Julia Bates. He married the former Joyce Lemmerman around 1958. After serving in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, Kirby and Joyce Bates made their home in Camden, New Jersey. On January 15, 1963 he was appointed to the Camden Fire Department, and he reported for duty the following day.

Kirby Bates and his family lived at 3015 Mickle Street in East Camden during the 1960s and 1970s. By 1977 they had moved to 812 East Main Street in Maple Shade, New Jersey. After 26 years of service to the City of Camden, Kirby Bates retired from the Fire Department on February 1, 1989.

Last a resident of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, Kirby Bates died on February 25, 2006. He was survived by his wife, son Kirby Bates Jr., four grandchildren and a brother, Frederick Bates, of Niantic, Connecticut.

Camden Courier-Post - February 27, 2006

BATES, KIRBY D.
Age 67 years. On February 25, 2006, of Mt. Laurel, NJ. Born in Island Falls, Maine.
Beloved husband of 48 years of Joyce E. (Lemmerman) Bates. Dear father of Kirby D. (Darlene) Bates. Loving grandfather of Joaguina, Joaguin, Tyler and Kyle and brother of Frederick L. Bates of Niantic, Ct. Also survived by many friends and family.
Kirby served for 27 years as a Fireman for the City of Camden, NJ. He served in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper with the US Army and enjoyed golfing.
Arrangements private under the direction of The STEPHENSON-BROWN FUNERAL HOME of Merchantville, NJ.
His family has requested that in lieu of any other expression of sympathy, memorial contributions made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105.