June 6, 1921 – Jan. 26, 2013

Harley Albert Bates was born and raised in Coldwater, Mich. He joined the Army in 1941 and married Verna Louise Coats on Oct. 6, 1943 in Tyler, Tex. They moved to California in 1947 where he continued his studies in accounting at UCLA.

He worked at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Purchasing Dept. purchasing items for the Hall of the Crucifixion before the birth of their daughter, Colette. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church La Crescenta for 50 years. He was a disabled American vet, a member of the NRA and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

He and Verna enjoyed traveling around the United States and Canada with the 700 Club and their church group. They also cruised through the Panama Canal and around Alaska.

He is survived by his wife Verna; his daughter Colette; and his sister Mary Harris, who lives in Jackson, Mich.