Tom Bates Obituary

TOM BATES
May 5, 1960
January 26, 2021
Tom was 60 years old when he unexpectedly passed away at home on January 26th, 2021. He was born in Frankfurt, Germany on May 5th, 1960 to Vernon Jeff Bates and Hermine (Wurzinger) Bates. His parents are deceased. Tom's father was in the United States Army and relocated to Widefield, Colorado, where he was stationed at Fort Carson.
Tom leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Sharon, brothers Harold (Georgia), Bill (Michelle), Joseph, Vernon Jr, and sisters Debra (Steve), and Susan, sister-in-law Linda Kaufhold, many nieces, nephews, family in Germany and his German Shepard, Bj, that he loved dearly.
Tom worked at Western Forge Corporation (where he met Sharon) for 26 years, climbing up the ladder to become a supervisor, then to Ace Hardware Warehouse as a supervisor, also.
Tom was a loving, generous man and had a jokester side to him, everyone knew his laugh. He loved his Broncos. If you were not a fan, the fun began. In his younger years, he and his three brothers raced dirt bikes, he did win a few trophies. Tom was very competitive doing the things he enjoyed, playing golf with friends, video games, cornhole and to have the greenest lawn in the neighborhood.
Tom loved the mountains, camping in our 5th wheel toy hauler and exploring new terrain with his ATV. He had many campsites, but the Ouray, Colorado Mountains were his favorite.
Per Tom's wishes, there will be no service, only a small gathering after cremation, with immediate family only.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.