Phillipsburg resident, Marlin D. Bates, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg at the age of 58.

He was born March 5, 1957 in Norton, Kansas, to Martin and Margaret (Long) Bates of Lenora, Kansas. He attended schools at New Almelo, KS and Lenora, KS, receiving an Associate Degree from the North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit, KS.

He was united in marriage to Laura Lee Hill on April 12, 1991 in Valentine, Nebraska. They made their home in Broken Bow, NE. Laura Lee passed away on October 26, 1996.

Marlin was employed the past 7 years by Rangeland Cooperative in Phillipsburg. He had various other occupations along life's way, including Pamida, Sargent Drilling, Triangle Construction and Nebraska DOT.

Marlin was a friendly, giving person with a quiet nature. He was interested in guns and hunting. He loved dogs all his life and is greatly missed by his faithful companion, Brutus.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Lee; parents, Martin & Margaret Bates; brother and sister-in-law, Marvin & Mary Bates; brother's-in-law, Robert Berls and Richard Bennett; nephews, Mark Bates and Gary Bates; and an infant Niece Monica Dial.

Survivors include his three sisters, Martha Bennett of Meriden, Iowa; Marie Berls of Oberlin, KS and Marilyn Dial & husband, Rod of Norton, KS; and many nieces; nephews; other family; and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Almelo, KS. Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery, New Almelo.

Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Because of Marlins love of dogs, the memorial contributions are to be directed to his favorite cause, Second Chance Homeless Pet Society, Norton, KS c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.