Cumberland, Maryland - Joseph Lewis Bates, 72, of Cumberland, Md., passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at UPMC-Western Maryland.

Born June 25, 1952, in Cumberland, Mr. Bates was the son of the late John Joseph Bates and Elton Vandaler (Frisby) Bates. He was also preceded in death by 13 brothers and sisters: Helen McCaullen, Juanita Redman, Iris Washington, Betty Bates, Parthenia Stephens, Janet Woodward, Barbie Ann Blowe, Donna Hawley, Carol Bates, Roberta Brown, John Bates, Jerry Bates, and Frank Bates.

Joe was a Graduate of Allegany High School, Class of 1970, and was a United States Marine Corps Veteran. He retired from CSX, and was formerly employed by Celanese Fibers Corporation of America. Joe coached the Reds Football Team. He was an active member of Fulton Myers Post #153 American Legion and attended McKendree UMC.

Joe is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen Bates; and his children, George "GW" Sweitzer and wife, Maria, Patricia Vandaler Hartzell, Josett Louise Bucy and husband, Charles, and Jonathan Leroy Stubbs. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Hendricks and husband, Richard; his grandchildren, Claudia Sweitzer, Erica Sweitzer, William Sweitzer, Jonathan Sweitzer, Eltyn Brown, Kara Brown, Chloe Brown, Mary Combs, Bella Bucy, Jordan Bucy, Brylee Bucy, Devin Bucy, Jaden Stubbs, Breven Stubbs, and Zaira Stubbs; and his great-grandchildren, Amillyana Brown, Nico Mattocks, and LaRayah Stubbs; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur Street, Cumberland, Md., (www.AdamsFamilyFuneralHome.com) on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with Tyrease Washington officiating.

Interment will be in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery at Rocky Gap.

Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Post #13 Veterans Honor Guard.