Joseph Mitchell “Smokin’ Joe” Bates, 51, of House Springs died May 16, 2016, at his home.
“Smokin’ Joe” was a member of the High Ridge Elks Lodge 2455 and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was employed at WAM Hauling as a dump truck driver.
Born Dec. 15, 1964, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Michael and Agnes (Dengler) Bates.
He is survived by his wife: Wendy (Vollmer) Bates of House Springs; two children: Jessica (Dale) Morgan of House Springs and Joseph (Becky Henley) Bates II of House Springs; four grandchildren: GracieRae Morgan, Daniel Morgan, Lillian Bates and Briana Bates; his mother-in-law: Juanita Vollmer of House Springs; two siblings: John Bates of Cedar Hill and Jeremiah Bates of St Charles; and a nephew: John Bates II of Dittmer; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Hwy. 30, in Cedar Hill. Funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 1001 Craig Road, Suite 480, St Louis, 63146.
Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary.