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Michael DeBates Obituary
Michael "Mike" Howard DeBates
July 8, 1943 - June 2, 2024
Michael "Mike" Howard DeBates, 80, a resident of Port Charlotte, Florida since 2010, formerly of Waukegan, Illinois, passed away June 2, 2024, after a long battle with heart and lung disease. He was born July 8, 1943, in Geneseo, Illinois to the late Howard Joseph DeBates and Katherine Louise DeBates (nee MacDonald). Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Stephen DeBates.
Mike served in the United States Air Force September 1961 to June 1966. After his service, Mike worked for Motorola and RCA. Mike was a driven entrepreneur, purchasing his own company in 1976. Pace Communications Services Corporation, Waukegan, Illinois, was part of the community for 30+ years until his retirement. Mike's most cherished memories were of fishing in Canada, traveling with friends and time spent with family.
Those left to carry on his memory include his loving wife of 51 years, Gay Jill DeBates (nee Klingen); Sons, Jason (Emily) DeBates and Keith (Melanie Hamann) DeBates; Daughter, Julianne DeBates-Brennan; Sister, Diane (Art) Fanter; Sister-in-law, Sharon DeBates; Grandchildren, Nicholas (Jennifer) Brennan, Elizabeth (Anthony) Mertz, Colin (Jennie) Brennan, Sydney Brennan, Lily DeBates, George DeBates, Skyler Mendenhall, and Ryan Mendenhall; Great grandsons, Liam Brennan, Lucas Brennan, Killian Mertz, Walker Brennan, Elijah Brennan, and Brooks Brennan; Nephew, Scott (Jennifer) DeBates; Niece, Shelli DeBates, Goddaughter, Suzi (Tom) DiClementi-Basset; and those we love that became family, Enrico Lena, Alexis Lena, Anthony Lena, the Runyen/Copenharve family: Darin (Nancy) Runyen, Scott (Charlene) Copenharve, Jeff Runyen, Robert Copenharve, Kevin Runyen-Copenharve, Michelle Copenharve, the late Randy Copenharve Jr., Tim Hill and Lauri Cucchi-Hill.
Mike will be remembered as an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, teacher, mentor, and much more to all who were blessed to know him.
Family will hold a Celebration of Life in Florida and Illinois at future dates.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael DeBates
3 Entries
Scott Newell
June 21, 2024
To the entire DeBates family, I was saddened to learn of Mike's passing, you have my heartfelt condolences, I didn't get to see him a lot but it was always a pleasure to see him when he was in Geneseo visiting Howard and Katherine. I'm sure that Howard, Mike, and Steve are reunited and telling fishing stories galore. Keep the wonderful memories close for comfort in this troubling time.
Roger Bengtson
June 16, 2024
Mike and I were teammates in several sports in High School. My sympathy to his family for your loss.
Sandy & Rex Rogers
June 15, 2024
We are so sad to learn of Mike's passing. We got to know him and his family really well during our time with Howard and Katherine. May he rest in peace.
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