Parley Matthew Bates

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Parley Matthew Bates on March 25, 2025 at the age of 32. Parley was born on September 30, 1992 to Daniel F. Bates and Patty Smith Bingham. After graduating from East High School in 2010, Parley accepted a call to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a Chinese-speaking missionary in the New York New York South Mission. He had an intense and profound love for the Chinese people, and he joyfully served them with all his heart.

Parley went on to study chemistry at the University of Utah. He worked his way through college as a chemistry and math tutor as well as a lab technician, performing scientific research with professors at the university. Parley was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and graduated Cum Laude from the U of U with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. After graduating from college, he worked for several years with ARUP as a laboratory technician. He later transitioned to Teva Pharmaceuticals as a Senior Scientist doing analytical and formulation research.

Parley loved his family deeply and often demonstrated that love with mischievous pranks that ended in fits of laughter. He enjoyed competing in international chess games, playing Star Wars Miniatures with his brothers, and pursuing knowledge, particularly about science, space, and computers. Parley had a special affinity for everything Chinese, especially Peking Duck. We will miss him tremendously.

Parley is survived by his father, Daniel F. Bates, mother Patty Smith Bingham, stepfather Brandon Bingham, and siblings D. Mckay (Shellie) Bates, Rebecca Bates, Michelle (Robert) Preston, Andreana (Ryan) Suprise, Caleb (Halie) Bates, Janessa (Nathan) Marshall, and Douglas Bates.

A service honoring Parley’s life will be held at the Lake Point Chapel (1366 Canyon Road Lake Point, UT 84074) on Monday, March 31st at 11:00 am with a visitation prior from 10:00-10:45 am. Parley will be interred at the Lake Point Cemetery.