Carl L. Bates
GREENE – Carl L. Bates, 86, a lifelong resident of Greene, passed away Friday, March 11, 2022, at his home, with his loving family by his side.
He was born March 7, 1936 in Greene, the son of John Bates and Evelyn (Poole) Bates. He was a 1954 graduate of Monmouth Academy. After high school he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960.
On June 18, 1960 he married the love of his life, Marilyn Hodgkins. They enjoyed 60 years together before her passing on March 25, 2020.
Carl worked in the textile industry at W.S. Libby in Lewiston, following his retirement he continued to work part time during the summers at Tex Tech in Monmouth. In the early years, in addition to his night job in the mill, he drove a school bus for the Greene school system and helped his brother Walter on the farm where they both grew up.
Carl was known as “Mr. Fix It”, tinkering and fixing just about anything. He enjoyed competitive shooting with the Greene Rifle Club, hunting, golf, gardening, woodworking and restoring antique autos.
He was a life member of Ashlar Lodge No. 105. He and Marilyn were snowbirds, wintering for 20 years in Leesburg, Fla. with many close friends. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Adams and husband Jon of Lisbon Falls, and Laurie Davis and husband Ronald Jr. of Moultonborough, N.H.; grandchildren Kimberly Shields and husband Jonathan of Bangor, Rebecca McLean and husband Ian of Smithfield R.I., Nathan McNear and wife Lindsey of Monmouth, and Kelly McNear and husband Herbert Watson of Norridgewock; great-grandchildren Silas and Josie Shields, Dylan and Paige McLean, Herbert Watson II, Matthew Beaulieu and Kyliee Mae McNear.
He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn; parents John and Evelyn; grandson, Matthew Adams; and siblings Walter, Marion Blaisdell, Russell, Alfred and Bernard.
Many heartfelt thanks to Elite Homecare, Beacon Hospice and devoted neighbors and friends who provided incredible support to Carl and the family.
Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, at the BRAGDON-FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 707 Main St., Monmouth. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in the spring at Valley Cemetery, Route 202, in Greene.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
Elite Homecare,
397 North Buckfield Rd.,
Buckfield, ME 04220