Obituary of Clarence Dean Bates

Clarence Dean Bates (84) longtime St. Maries, ID resident passed away on June 23, 2017 with his wife and family by his side.  He was born on August 11, 1932 in Alva, OK to Clarence and Edith Bates.  Dean moved to Idaho with his family in 1943.  The family settled in the community of Indian Springs and Harrison, ID.  Dean attended the country grade schools such as Indian Springs, Cave Lake, and Harrison.  He graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1950.

Following high school, Dean enlisted into the US Army during the Korean War and returned to work at the Zinc Plant in Kellogg, ID.  He married a neighbor girl Pat Rake on June 26, 1957.  They lived in Smelterville, ID.  In 1959 they moved to the Bates Family Farm where Dean was still living on the farm. 

Dean enjoyed music very much and he and Pat had a country duo band “The Mavericks”.  They played music professionally and he was an inspiration to many musicians.  They played music from Washington into Montana and all of North Idaho.  Also entertaining with Ricky Skaggs, Hank Thompson, The Kerbes, and Rocky Rauch at the Pendleton Roundup.  He played many conventions and dances.

Over the years Dean had various jobs along with his farming.  He worked for Kootenai School district as a bus driver for 12 years.  He also worked for Bob Russell Construction and Mike Russell Construction as well as working for Clint Bates Construction.  Dean was a member of the St. Maries American Legion and a lifetime member of the NRA.

Pat passed away in 1995; however Dean found love again when he married Jan Nelson on June 18, 2011 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID.  The couple enjoyed dancing in Kellogg, camping, and their vacation to Oklahoma for a class reunion in 2013.  Dean was the love of Jan’s life for the last 6 years and she will miss him forever. 

Dean is survived by his wife Jan; his son and daughter in-law Clint and Sherral Bates of St. Maries, ID; step-daughter Kelly Jo (Mike) Isbell; grandchildren Kasie (Jaybe) Wise, Melisa Bates, and Angie (Keith Linnemeyer) Bates; step grandchild Colten Isbell; and 6 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Calvin Bates, Lee Bates, Leeland Bates, Emerson Roller, and Irene Patton.  A private graveside service was held.