Ernest "Red" Bates, 93, passed away at the Presbyterian Home for CNY on December 7, 2016, with his family at his side. Ernie was born in Utica, NY on March 21, 1923, the son of Ernest and Jennie (Mae) Bates. He was raised and educated in the Utica school system. Ernie was a veteran of the US Army having served in the Western Pacific Theatre, during WWII. He received both the `WWII Victory Metal and the Asiatic Pacific Service Metal. After his time served in the Army on March 15, 1947, Ernest was married to Jane M. Williams. Jane passed away in 1998. For a number of years, until his retirement Red was employed with the City of Utica in the Municipal Housing Authority. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Utica, the Whitestown American Legion Post 1113, a life time member of Molson- Jones , VFW Post 7393, and a former member of the 11th Ward Fish and Game Club. Ernie is survived by a daughter and her husband, Pamela and Bill LaRock of Utica; two sons, Mark and his wife, Laurie Bates of Utica, and John Bates of Utica; two daughters in law, Bernadette Bates of NY Mills, and Josie Bates of Frankfort; and a son in law, Stanley Marriott of Utica. He also leaves 12 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Besides his wife, Ernest was predeceased by two sons and a daughter, Ernest Paul and Raymond E. Bates and Lucille Marriott; a granddaughter, Mellissa Marriott ; a grandson, Jamie Jameson; four sisters and two brothers, Ruth Crandell, Jeanette Ingersol, Katherine Phalan, Margaret Pape, and Peter and George Bates. Mr. Bates's Funeral will be held Monday. December 12, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, NY. His burial with Military Honors, will be at the Kirkland Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home, will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 pm, Sunday afternoon. Donations, in Ernest memory would be appreciated to Hospice and Palliative Care or St. Jude's Children's Research.