Booker T. Bates

Booker Bates, Sr., 76 of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at home amongst family and friends. He was the son of the late Lonnie Bates and Hattie Cook and retired from Consolidated Freight with 22 years of dedicated service. Booker enjoyed playing and singing with a variety of "quartet" groups, as well as traveling, bowling and playing dominoes. He leaves to celebrate his life and memory his devoted wife of 51 years, Esther Bates of Harrisburg, two sons, Booker, Jr. and Mario Bates, one daughter, LaQuita Woodward all of Harrisburg, sisters; Clara Perkins, Bertha Warren and Ida Bates, brothers; James and John Bates of Harrisburg, predeceased by his siblings; Vernell Smith and Lillie Stein. Booker also leaves to cherish his memory his 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by all. Services will be held at Hooper Memorial Home on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., viewing at 10:00, his final resting place at East Harrisburg Cemetery, In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Hooper Memorial is handling arrangements.