George E. Spates

DECATUR - George E. Spates, 81, of Decatur, passed away at 4:10 a.m. Monday, May 30, 2011 at McKinley Court. Services to celebrate George's life will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2011 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Interment with military honors and "Flight Home" Ceremony will be at Graceland Cemetery. In honor of his son Mark memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. George was born November 29, 1929 in Decatur, the son of Bert Oscar and Mary Jane (Jones) Spates. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He retired from A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company after thirty-five years of service. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Moose, Eagles, Elks, and Stephen Decatur Masonic Lodge #979. He leaves behind his daughter Rita Ann Bollinger and husband Dwight of Decatur, granddaughter, Tara Lynnette Brown and husband Terry of Weldon, great-grandson, Joseph Michael Mills, step-great-grandchildren, Brittany, Clinton, and Jordan Brown, and great-great-granddaughter, Kylie Lane. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Mark E. Spates, and sisters, Betty Hornbrook and Helen Whennen. The family of George E. Spates is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/ herald-review/