Denver Lee Bates Jr.

Denver Lee Bates, Jr., 78, of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026 at Adena Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Born on April 26, 1948 in Henderson, West Virginia, Denver was the son of the late Denver Lee Bates. Sr. and Neva Smith Bates. Denver was a Set Up Operator at GKN. He was a tinkerer who enjoyed fixing things. Denver enjoyed watching old westerns, and he loved his dogs. He also enjoyed gardening, being outside, and talking on the CB radio under the handle Impala.

Denver is survived by his daughter, Julie Lyons of Gallipolis; son, Denver Lee Bates III of Chillicothe, Ohio; four grandchildren, Christopher (Destiny) Bates of Vinton, Ohio, Kassie (Eric) Taylor of Jackson, Ohio, Katlyn Bates of Gallipolis, Ohio and Justin (Miranda) Schartiger of Point Pleasant; seven great-grandchildren, Maddox, Anakin, Owen, Autumn, Ashton, Walker, and Lawson; sister, Jane Ann DeWeese of Gallipolis; and former wife, Joyce Bates of Point Pleasant. In addition to many much loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Denver was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank Bates and Harry Bates and sisters, Helen Myers and Betty Clonch.

Visitation for Denver will be held at Willis Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026.