Thomas "Tom" Bates

Thomas “Tom” P. Bates, 78, of West Riverside Drive Carlsbad, New Mexico passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Tom was born on April 10, 1942, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Paul and Marjorie Bates.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no services held at this time. Interment will be at Carlsbad Cemetery Carlsbad, NM. Denton- Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Tom had an avid love for cars since he was a little boy. As soon as he was able to start driving, he never stopped putting rubber to asphalt. Together with his wife Frieda, they traveled across North America in their motorhome and checked off all 50 States, Canada, and Mexico. Over the years, he accumulated a model car collection of over 1,500 cars. Tom was skilled architect, and designed every house he lived in after school. One of his passion projects, was when he got a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado and completely redesigned the truck to be a custom replica of a 1957 Chevy. Tom always lived life to the fullest, and with the help of his loving wife, he was able to accomplish priceless memories to last a lifetime. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Paul Bates; mother, Marjorie Bates; and son, Jeffery Paul Bates.
Tom is survived by his wife, Frieda Bates of Carlsbad, NM; son, Gregory Thomas Bates of McIntosh, NM; son, David Wayne Rutherford and wife, Lisa of Artesia, NM; daughter, Antoinnette Marie Rutherford of Artesia, NM; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and brother, Terry Bates and wife, Karen of California.
Condolences may be express online at dentonwood.com