Former teacher and principle celebrates milestone birthday.

By Noah Shepardson
Edited By: Dan Schultz and Trisha Vankoughnett

Robert Bates, former teacher and principle of Shepherd High School, will turn 99 years old on Sunday, April 13.

Robert Bates has lived just south of Shepherd in Coe Township since he was six years old. He arrived by way of a railway car which was hauling livestock, farm equipment and household furnishings. Once there he attended Walling School, Coe No. 7 through eighth grade and then on to Shepherd High School.

After high school Bates attended Central State Teacher College in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. There he received his two year Life Certificate in Education. His first teaching job was at the school he formerly attended, Walling School.

After the Great Depression, Bates returned to Central to finish his undergraduate degree. He majored in mathematics and agricultural science. While teaching at Beaverton Rural Agricultural School World War II broke out and Bates tended to his country and had so serve time in the South Pacific.

Upon return Bates went back to teach in the Shepherd Public School system and later became the high school principal, a title which he held for 23 years until his retirement in 1973.

Bates, an active member in the Shepherd community for the last 35 years, has donated time to helping at the Community Soup Kitchen, volunteering at Meals on Wheels, Food for Friends and remaining active in the Shepherd United Methodist Church. He was also involved in the creation of the Shepherd Historical Society.

“He was a great man and he has done a lot for his community and I am proud to be a part of that community”, said current Shepherd High School Principal Doug Bush. “It’s great to see a man give back like he has.”