Although Richard A. Bates never attained the Boys Scouts’ highest rank of Eagle Scout during his childhood, as a scoutmaster later in life, he helped make that dream possible for many area youths. Mr. Bates, 68, of Aurora, died Saturday, June 17, in Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora. Born in Aurora, he graduated from West Aurora High School in 1950. He worked for St. Charles Manufacturing Co. from 1951 until 1996, retiring as chief engineer. As a child, Mr. Bates was a member of Boy Scout Troop 30, and as an adult he was the leader of Boy Scout Troop 55. During his tenure from 1971 to 1978, he helped 20 scouts, ages 14 to 18, achieve their Eagle Awards. “He got a lot of satisfaction from helping kids accomplish something he’d always wanted for himself, but for one reason or another, was never able to,” said his son Michael, himself an Eagle Award recipient. “He loved scouting and never really left it, helping out with fundraisers and organizing spaghetti dinners right up until the end.” As an adult, Mr. Bates was a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow, a branch of the Boy Scouts. He also completed the Wood Badge Adult Training Class, the highest training level for adult scouts. He also was an active member of First Christian Church of Aurora. In his retirement, Mr. Bates enjoyed miniature antique model cars. Other survivors include his wife, Martha Sue; a son, Allen; a daughter, Brenda Lee Hacker; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora, where services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
