NEWPORT NEWS — Lynn Carlton Bates, 76, unexpectedly passed away Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, after a heart attack at his home.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Catherine; daughter, Stacey Woodbridge (Matthew); and two grandchildren, Harrison and Gabrielle. He also leaves behind his sister, Marilyn Whittaker (Earl) of Corning, New York; sister-in-law, Anmarie Fraser of Orange City, Florida; six nieces; 15 great-nieces and great-nephews; and several cousins.
Lynn is a 1967 graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology. He served in the U.S. Army and in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief. For his service, he received the Army Commendation Medal for heroism in action and was also awarded the Air Medal multiple times for meritorious service. He worked as an aerospace model technician at Dynamic Engineering for 39 years.
Lynn was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He helped many people throughout his life, enjoyed woodworking and could fix anything. He and his wife loved traveling, and they enjoyed attending annual reunions of the 134th Assault Helicopter Company. He was well-loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown will host services at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, with visitation at 1 p.m. A military graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation or Fort Eustis Army Transportation Museum Foundation.
