Charles Cruz Bates

Charles

Cruz Bates,

74, passed away peacefully at his home in

Starkville

MS, on February 2, 2023. Born Nov. 26, 1948 in San Francisco, CA, Charles is survived by his loving wife Margaret Longest Bates; two children, Nathan (Courtney) Bates of Burlington VT and Joshua (Hillary) Bates of Columbus OH; four grandchildren, Truman, Graham, Alice, and Jillian; his father Paul Bates Sr. and sister Barbara of St. Louis MO. He is predeceased in death by his mother Estelle Bates, and brothers, Edward and Paul Jr.

“Charly” grew up in St. Louis, and served with distinction in the US Army in Vietnam and Germany as a scout-dog handler, being honorably discharged in 1970. He attended Forest Park Community College, Mississippi State University, and graduated with a degree in history from Washington University in St. Louis.

Charly taught history and social studies at secondary schools in St. Louis, MO and Miami, FL, where he pioneered methods of wilderness experiential learning. Beloved by his students, for over 20 years Charly led educational camping and backpacking “treks” into the Ozarks, the Florida Everglades, the American West, Alaska, Canada, and many places in between.

Charly's passion for history, politics, sports (MSU Bulldogs, St Louis Cardinals) and the outdoors was only eclipsed by devotion to family. Traveling with Peggy, his wife of 50 years, camping with his children and grandchildren, or visiting with his large extended family were great joys. Open-hearted, gregarious, kind and friendly, Charly impacted everyone around him. He will remain unforgettable.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4th at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville at 2:00 pm, preceded by a visitation at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Casserole Kitchen or the charity of your choice.

You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.