Joe Frank Bates, 86

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Joe passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his children and wife. Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorraine; his parents, Melvin and Hazel Bates; his brothers, Donald and Harold; and his sister, Marie. 

Joe grew up in Detroit. His parents divorced when he was seven. When he was seventeen, he went to live with his dad in Long Beach, Calif. One day, not having any luck finding a job, he passed the Navy recruitment office. Unfortunately, without a parent’s approval, he wouldn't be able to enlist until he was 18. Joe convinced his dad that he would get his GED while in the Navy. After completing basic training in 1957, he was assigned to a submarine, the USS Sabalo, where he served as an electrician for the next six years. His nickname on board was “Snake,” as his thin build allowed him to wiggle into tight spaces to perform his job. After leaving the Navy in 1963, Joe returned to Detroit, where he married his sweetheart, Lorraine Wright. They shared 43 years of marriage and built a life rooted in love and family.

Joe got a job at Flannery Ford in Lincoln Park, Mich., as a salesman, which proved to be a wise decision. His dedication and tireless work ethic were hallmarks of Joe's success in industry sales. Joe's drive and focus were not spent entirely on work. In 1967, they welcomed a baby boy, Craig, followed by Mark in 1968, Kevin in 1969, and Tina in 1972. He loved spending time with his family. The family had a cabin "up north" in Oscoda, Mich., on Cedar Lake. His brother Harold’s cabin was right next door and sister Barbara’s cabin was just down the road. He was very lucky that he and Lorraine had big families. Those sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews were always around. 

In 1982, the family moved to Torrance, Calif. Joe's dad was getting up there in age and needed help with his machine shop, "Space Screw." After spending 16 years in California, Joe and Lorraine moved to Hayden, Idaho, and relocated the business to Rathdrum, Idaho. 

In 2006, Lorraine passed away. They were married for 43 years. A couple of years later, Joe met a very special and caring woman, Marsha Doerr, who would become his wife in 2009. Joe and Marsha lived part-time in Hayden and traveled the country in their fifth wheel for 10 years before permanently moving to The Villages, Fla. Even though they now lived on the other side of the country, they still made ample time for their kids and, more importantly, their grandkids.

Joe lived a full and robust life, valuing faith and family above all else. He always saw the good in people. He was generous with his time, friendship and guidance, and a DAD till the end. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Marsha; sister Barbara; sons Craig (Kristy), Mark and Kevin; daughter, Tina (Peter); and grandchildren Tyler, Kacey, Justin, Nathan, Emily, Nick, Jacob, Summer and Gloria. Joe has two stepdaughters, a stepson and several step-grandchildren who mean the world to him. 

Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then. Who cares about the clouds when we're together. Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather. Happy trails to you ‘til we meet again.

The service will be held at Yates Funeral Home-Hayden Chapel at 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho 83835, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, with a viewing at 10 a.m. and the funeral service at 11 a.m. Graveside burial will follow at Pinegrove Cemetery, Rathdrum, Idaho. The reception location will be decided after the burial.

Please visit Joe’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.