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1911
2015
Martin D. Bates, 103, passed away at Westbury Care Center, Brookdale of Lisle, on Sunday, June 28, 2015. A former resident of Glen Ellyn for 47 years, he had lived independently at Brookdale Lisle (formerly, The Devonshire) since 1999. Martin was born on September 23, 1911, at his maternal grandparents' farm home near Quincy, MI. After graduating from Quincy High School, he attended Michigan State College (now, University) in East Lansing, MI, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed the Army ROTC program to become a commissioned officer (2nd Lieutenant) in the Army Reserve. After graduation in 1936, he began his occupational career and married Barbara R. Hutchison, whom he had met while attending MSC; she was from Grand Rapids, MI. He had to put his civilian career on hold when he was called to Active Duty in the Spring of 1941. During World War II, he served as an antiaircraft artillery officer and participated in the Normandy invasion, landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day. At the end of the war, he stayed in the Army Reserve and retired at the rank of Colonel in 1971. Martin had a successful civilian career as a sales engineer of industrial rubber products. During his career, he worked for several companies; most notably, Thermoid Rubber Products Company and Sparks Belting Company. He retired as a sales representative from Sparks at the age of 75. Martin was an active member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Glen Ellyn, for over 50 years; an active member of the Glen Ellyn Kiwanis Club for more than 40 years; and a life member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) for more than 20 years. He enjoyed playing cards (especially bridge) and bingo, working crossword puzzles and dancing. Martin is the last of his generation of the Bates family. He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Enid Bates; brother, Vilas Bates; sisters, Sylvia Hunter and Letha Smith; and wife, Barbara R. Bates. He is survived by his sons, Dwight W. (and wife Pauline) Bates of Maysville, KY, and Dale I. (and wife Julie) Bates of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Markus Bates, Nicole DeMuth, Matthew Bates and Justin Bates; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A family memorial service will be held at Fort Sheridan Post Cemetery at a later date at which time interment with his wife will take place. Arrangements were made by the Leonard Memorial Home, Ltd., Glen Ellyn, 630-469-0032.
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2 Entries
To the Bates family, How difficult it is to lose someone who is so dearly loved and needed. He dedicated himself to family, and so many others. May you draw comfort and strength each day through prayer and God's promises. (Jeremiah 29 : 11-13)
TH
July 6, 2015
God is always there to listen and to help us especially in a time of need. Confide in him and he will help you - 1 John 5:14.
CH
July 3, 2015
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