John C Bates 91, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday June 15, 2013. He was born to the late John C. and Myra Bates on October 8, 1921, and married the late Dorothy Bates on June 2, 1941, living in San Pedro CA for 40 years of their 54 years of marriage. In 1944, John was inducted into the Air Force to serve in World War II in the Pacific Theatre as gunner on a B29 bomber. In 1946 after serving his country, he returned to his career at McDonald Douglas, retiring in 1978 as a manager in planning and scheduling from McDonald Douglas in Long Beach CA. A conscientious worker, John received awards throughout his 35 year career. Outside of work, John was a dedicated husband and father. In his spare time he participated in many outdoor activities with his family. He was a strong role model for his children and grandchildren. John lived his life with a strong sense of what was right and wrong. He was a man of principle and one might say he was love in action. After his retirement he pursued his hobby of gardening, collecting train memorabilia and old movies, and moved to Temecula in 1995 to be near his daughter and her family. John made many friends in the area including his dear friend Shirley Scher who shared many of his travels and adventures. John was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy and their son Stephen. He is survived by his sons John (Deanna), Edward (Felicia), and his daughter Pamela Bryant. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 11 great grand children, and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of John Bates life will be held 11:00am, Thursday, June 27, 2013 at England Family Chapel in Temecula, California with the interment in Riverside National Cemetery at 1:15pm.