Clement 'Red' Bates, 77, passed away at home surrounded by his family. He leaves his wife of 51 years, Shirley A. (Cleary) Bates; his son, Timothy and his wife, Michelle Bates of Auburn; two daughters, Patricia and her husband, Richard of Rockaway Township, NJ and Brenda Fisher of Worcester; three grandchildren, Chad Bates, Jennifer Brindisi and Chelsea Brindisi. His son, Russell passed away in October 2007. His brother, Harry W. Bates, Jr. and a son-in-law, Bradley Fisher also predeceased him.

   He was born in Worcester the son of Harry W. and Alice C. (Nelson) Bates, Sr. and graduated from South High School and attended Worcester Boys Trade School. Mr. Bates served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a tailgunner on a B-29. He was a Worcester firefighter for 32 years, serving with Engine 12 on Providence St. and then on Engine 15 in Quinsigamond Village, retiring in 1994. He was a member of 307th Bomb Wing, the Worcester Retired Firefighters & Police Association, Korean War Veterans and VFW Post #3657. He loved fishing, hunting, refinishing furniture and working in the yard.

   Visiting hours will be Thursday, March 27th at LINDQUIST LUNDIN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Butler St., from 10 AM to 12 PM. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 PM in the funeral home. Interment will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to UMass Memorial Hospice, 650 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605.