Herbert Raymond Bates Sr.

Herbert Raymond Bates Sr., 87, of Willcox, Arizona, passed away on March 10, 2026. Born in Ruthven, Iowa, to Harold and Hallie Bates (McCarty), Herb was one of six siblings. The family moved to Benson, Arizona, in 1946 and later settled in Willcox in 1972.

In 1972, Herb formed the band Herb Bates and the Country Blue Boys, serving as lead singer and guitar player. The band performed until 1985, opening for country artists including Marty Robbins and Margo Smith. Country music remained one of his greatest passions until 1993, when he married Carla, his “Sweetie.” Their 33-year marriage was filled with music, motorcycle adventures, family, and the deep companionship they shared as best friends and lifelong loves.

Herb retired as a meat cutter at Safeway, where he was known for his kind and happy-go-lucky nature. He greeted everyone with a wave or a friendly “Hey, guy,” whether he knew them or not. In his later years, he could often be seen riding his trike, “Orange Crush,” to McDonald’s for breakfast with friends, picking up milk, or buying bird seed every Tuesday at Maid Rite. He cherished quiet moments feeding and watching birds with his granddaughter Lopie, whom he lovingly called his “Punkin,” and was rarely without a cup of coffee.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hallie, and his siblings, Richard, Esther, Glenn, Ralph, and Jim Bates. He is survived by his wife Carla, sons Herbie (Brandie) Bates, Brian (Tina) Addington, and William (Andrinna) Bates, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.