Tom Bates

1960 - 2021

Tom Bates

April 21, 1960 - Jan. 1, 2021

Tom Bates lost his battle with Multiple Sclerosis on January 1, 2021, at the young age of 60 years old. He never gave up and fought it hard.

Tom was born on April 21, 1960, the son of William and Bertha (Albano) Bates in Chicago, Illinois. His life was full of friends from his childhood in Chicago, to his new childhood friends in Calumet City, after his father moved the family to a bigger home in the South Suburbs.

Tom loved sports; he played baseball, softball, hockey and golf. He enjoyed Muscle cars and motorcycles. Tom was an avid collector of many different items. He started collecting at a very young age. And continued into his adult life. His goal was to always pay cash for whatever he purchased, including the large purchases. He was very proud of his purchases and kept them pristine.

Tom worked for Federal Signal Corporation and made a lot of friends there. He then moved on to become a C Card for IBEW Local 134 in Chicago. He worked at Grinnell Corporation until his diagnosis with MS.

Tom wrote poetry, mostly of actual events in his life. And he was a pretty good poet. He designed, manufactured and received a patent for a baseball card display. He was full of surprises. Especially his magic tricks! Tom was genuine, kind, generous, honest and courageous!

Tom is survived by his mother, Bertha; his brother Billy (Sue) and sister Linda Orze; nephews, Chuck (Sandy), Billy, and niece Lisa; great-nephews and niece, Justin (Brianna), Jessica, Hunter and great-great nephew, Jameson.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Bates.

Tom's family, many friends and three Caregivers, Nick and Mari Ann Sopcich, and Shirley will miss him dearly.

No services are scheduled per Tom's request. Memorials contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis foundation. To share a memory with the Bates family, please visit www.jacksonfuneral.com.