Keith Bates

Keith Vernon Bates, the son of Boyd Burton and Julia Viola (Thompson) Bates, was born in Unionville, Missouri on July 15, 1942. Keith entered eternal rest Monday, September 6, 2021 at the Adair County Memorial Hospital in Greenfield, Iowa. No services are planned.

Keith was educated in Unionville, Missouri and graduated from high school with the Class of 1960. Immediately following graduation, Keith moved to Des Moines where he received his Barber Training and opened his first Barbershop in Wapello, Iowa. He later operated in Lake Mills, Iowa for a short time. Keith moved to Greenfield, Iowa and opened Keith’s Barbershop in 1972. In his earlier years, Keith also farmed in Adair County, Iowa and served on the Greenfield Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Due to his failing health, the Barbershop closed just a few weeks ago. Keith was always interested in Firearms, and served as a volunteer Hunter Education Instructor for the State of Iowa for 42 years.

On September 23, 1996, Keith was united in marriage to Deborah Kay Leighton in Ozark, Missouri. Keith was a father from a previous marriage and he became a step-father to Debbie’s three children. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Bates of Greenfield; his son, Darrell (wife Paula) Bates of Fontanelle; step-son, Peter (wife Tiffany) Davidson of Creston; 2 step-daughters: Lesa Davidson of Creston and Amy Graham of Des Moines, Iowa; 2 grandchildren: Briley Bates and Jeremy Freeman; 10 step-grandchildren; 24 step-great-grandchildren; 3 nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth Bates and sister-in-law, Marie Bates.