Details
About Todd Arlin Bates
Todd Arlin Bates, 68, returned to our Father in Heaven, Saturday, July 5, 2025, due to natural causes. On August 21, 1956, Todd was born in Portland, Oregon. His family then moved to Prescott, Arizona where he was raised.
He is survived by is wife Margie Bates and his children; son, Devin Todd (Jenna) Bates and daughter, Tara Canerday. Todd adored his two grandchildren Makenna and Samuel Canerday. He also leaves behind a sister, Susan Bates, and many nieces & nephews. Todd was preceded in death by his parents Garth and Opal Bates and his nephew Robert Critchfield.
Todd served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada Halifax Mission. While serving in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Todd met his future wife, Sister Margie Street. In August of 1978, after they returned home from their missions, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple.
Todd obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Weber State University, followed by a Master’s degree at Northern Arizona University. He proudly worked 37 years for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, serving and protecting his community. He performed many different duties for the Office including: Patrol, Homicide, and led as a Lieutenant for many years. Beyond his dedication to law enforcement, he was a committed church leader. He happily served with the youth of the church, in a Bishopric, and in the Chandler Stake High Council.
Todd’s dedicated service at church and the Sheriff’s Office led him to develop many close friendships that brought him immense joy. He was determined to foster and continue these friendships through the end of his life. He took many trips with family and friends, and he attended a game in all but one MLB stadium.
His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren, but he also loved going to breakfast and lunch with friends and coworkers and making a quick run to QuikTrip.
You are invited to pay your respects to the family on Saturday, July 19, 2025, between 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial service to follow.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1115 E Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225. Please proceed to the East side of the building.
Interment: Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be made to The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Memorial Fund, which helps the families of fallen officers: https://www.mcsoadvisorycouncil.org/product/general-donation/
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
24 comments
Dave Munley
Einstein’s will never be the same. We used to meet there often to share some “scoops” have a few laughs and solve all world problems over a tasty morning bagel. Todd loved his faith, his family, his career and his pretzel bagels. He will be missed and is in my book forever. R.I.P Todd!
Marie Trombi
The last 3 years of my career I got to know the LT. Every time I stepped in to his office he always made me laugh. He was a good man and I am thankful I had some time to get to know him a bit. I will miss him.
Leon Family
The whole Lesson family is saddened to hear of the passing of Todd Bates. Our hearts and prayers go out to Margie, Devin and Tara and all the rest of your family and friends. Todd was such a good man, always kind, caring and interested in others and how he could help them. He shared happiness, smiles and love with everyone he met and he will be sorely missed. So sad that we can’t be there in AZ with you all on Saturday but we will be thinking of Todd and all of you ????❤️
Leon Family
The whole Lesson family is saddened to hear of the passing of Todd Bates. Our hearts and prayers go out to Margie, Devin and Tara and all the rest of your family and friends. Todd was such a good man, always kind, caring and interested in others and how he could help them. He shared happiness, smiles and love with everyone he met and he will be sorely missed. So sad that we can’t be there in AZ with you all on Saturday but we will be thinking of Todd and all of you.❤️
Ximena
Todd was such a great friend and he was there during some hard times of my life.
I will always be grateful for our friendship.
Sending my Love to Marge and her children.
Till we meet again.
Dave Lee
Todd was a good friend and mentor, and helped me to push my career into other areas outside my comfort zone. He was always good for a laugh, and for solid advice. He will be missed. Wishing the best for his family.
P.S. Gas stations can have good burritos!
Elaine Balmes Farr
I knew Todd in Prescott, he was such a kind heart and good friend. I was a little older than him but he and his friends Tim and Roy were so much fun. RIP, and prayers to the family
Roska family
Todd was always a man of service to his faith, family and community. He supported those who worked around him, led by example and encouraged other to do the same. He found ways to bring humor to your day and remind you of the import responsibility you have each day to help your family, neighbor, co-worker or any community member you may encounter in the course of a day. We are thankful for all the time we had with him, and he will be missed.
Lt Ryan Neville
Lt Bates was my LAST lieutenant and in many ways solidified my intention to promote myself. He was a great boss and an outstanding lawman. But most importantly, he was a man of strong conviction with a moral compass made of iron. What was right was always right and worth fighting for. They don’t make them like Todd often, I will miss you my friend.
Joyce A DeVean (Walters)
I grew up in Prescott with Todd and worked for his mother. Prayers for Margie and the kids. Todd was a good man and a great friend. Many wonderful memories growing up with Todd in Prescott. He was always happy and up for a good adventure.
Mary Korpi-Gouin
Though my heart aches for Margie & family knowing that this chapter in life brings so many emotions I know that their solid faith in our Lord will be their light.
Todd will remain a constant strength in the people he touched. I believe that he helped shape our granddaughter in-common into a better child of God. Memories of his selfless giving and gentle soul will stay in our hearts.
Tami Tabaka
Thanks for your patience and the knowledge you brought to the office
George Murray jr
Prayers to the family he always smiled like he was on top of the world God bless your with the Lord now in Jesus name we ask amen
Glen Roberts
Todd and I lost contact after high school in Prescott but I’m glad that he had a full life surrounded by family and friends. I can’t help but wonder if he and Tim Booth won’t find some mischief to get into on their side of the veil. They were inseparable growing up. We’ll see them soon enough.
Joe Polach
Todd was a good friend during our high school years in Prescott. He always had a smile and a happy demeanor. I enjoyed his presence.
Rob Nabower
So many memories of working with Todd. We were lucky to have him. RIP.
Will Kerr
Todd was a good friend and a Great American. He will be missed!
Julie Mitchell
Sending much love to Margie and family as well as to the extended Bates and Street families.
Chelisa Lantz
Todd was a forever friend. He was a friend to my husband and 4 boys. Always asking about them when I saw him. He will be remembered with such fond memories. I love Margie, Devin, and Tara. Great friends. Remember all the good times. Rest in peace Todd Bates. ❤️
Rich Bricklin
It was an honor to have crossed the path with Todd. A true dedicated professional he was. I truly am appreciative of the knowledge that he passed along to me. RIP
Darwin Barrie
Todd was great. Intensely dedicated to his family and serving God. He will be missed by all. Fortunately we all have some great memories. RIP Brother
Tim Campbell
Todd was an outstanding friend and coworker. Our careers were intertwined from the beginning. We also visited a number of those ballparks together while on extradition trips.
Todd talked about his family a lot over the years and I know how deeply he loved them. I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
Don Griffiths
Prayers to his family and friends. Todd was an outstanding member of the Sheriffs Office Homicide Unit. Has dedication I’m sure saved many lives. I have fond memories working with him. Rest in peace
Mike Mitchell
Todd was a fine man, devoted to his family and a good friend to many.
I’ll miss his friendship.