Peter L. Bates

Peter (Pete) Learnard Bates, age 84, passed away at his home on September 4, 2015. Peter was born July 26, 1931 in Joliet.

Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Connie (nee Haynie); siblings, Bennitt and Anne Bates; and his parents, Elbert Eric Sr. and Ruth L. Bates of Joliet.

Surviving are one brother, Elbert Eric (Rick) Bates Jr. of University Park, FL; six children, Scott (Carol) of Chandler, AZ, Jill (Joe) Carideo of Cary, NC, Bruce (Stacey) of Boise, ID, Stuart (Sandy) of Phoenix, AZ, Eric (Patrick) of Mt. Pleasant, WI, Nancy (Jeff) Martin of San Diego, CA; six grandchildren, Andrew and Emily Bates, Zachary and Brittany Carideo, Cathleen Bates, Jaidin Alexander; great grandchild, Benji Reed; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pete was a lifelong Joliet resident attending Farragut Grade School and Joliet Township High School. He attended Indiana University graduating in 1953, with both a degree in Business Administration and a commission in the U.S. Army. Peter served in the Army for 2 years including an 18 month tour in Germany. Pete met his future bride Connie at Indiana University and they married in 1954.

Upon his return to Joliet from the service, he joined the family business - Bates Insurance Agency, continuing until he retired in 1995 to support his wife in her battle with cancer. Peter lost Connie, the love of his life and his biggest supporter, in 1996.

Peter's involvement in the Joliet community started at an early age. In 1945, as a newspaper boy for the Herald News, he earned the 4 star award for war stamp sales presented to him by the Treasury Department. As an adult, Peter was active in supporting youth activities such as the Boy Scouts, and YMCA Indian Guides as well as leadership positions in Young Republicans, the University Club and the YMCA City Club. For the past 40 years he was a trustee of the Lambert Fund for Children.

Pete passed away peacefully and on his own terms with family by his side when his body could no longer keep up with his spirit. He was an avid genealogist and reveled in the chase for family history. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, being an excellent father and role model, a loyal friend, and an honest and fair business person with solid standing in the community. He was always there when needed and through the years the team of Pete and Connie built a great family.

The family would like to recognize Bill and Sharon Lauer, Larry and Lynda Scheuber, and Martha Bates who are among the many special people who have always been there to supported Dad and our family.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Elmhurst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Joliet Area Community Hospice.

Elmhurst Cemetery is located at 1212 E. Washington St., Joliet IL 60433

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News from Sep. 9 to Sep. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Bates

6 Entries

Sallie Barr Palmer

May 16, 2018

I knew Pete Bates most of our lives and his wife Connie from the time they were married. Our families had a long-time connection --my parents, Joe Barr and Elizabeth Sawyer Barr, were friends of his parents, and some of our grandparents were friends. His aunt, Rachel Learnerd, was one of my mother's bridesmaids. I haven't visited Joliet very often in recent years and hadn't seen Pete in some years, but I remember him and Connie with great fondness.

Jean Leach Congleton

September 15, 2015

To the Bates Family,

Pete & Connie were dear friends of mine for many, many years. Im very sad to hear of his passing, he will be greatly missed.

Marty Leach Kloc

September 15, 2015

To the Bates family,

Im very sorry to hear of your loss. I, too remember Pete growing up in Joliet. Connie was a mentor to me in the Girl Scouts and Pete was always at the ready with a hearty joke. May you find comfort and peace at this difficult time.

Janet Leach Anderer

September 13, 2015

To the Bates Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. I remember him, Connie and Scott and Jill so well from the time I was a young girl growing up in Joliet thru Dave and Jean Leach's friendship with Pete and Connie. He was truly a pillar in the community and will be greatly missed.

September 9, 2015

To all the Bates family, Jim and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We had a great time with your mom and dad and speak of them often. Peter showed Jim all the ropes when Connie and I were busy at camp. They managed not to get into too much trouble! We know you have wonderful memories to sustain you in the coming days. Take care of each other. Love, Debbie and Jim Nation

September 9, 2015

To all the Bates Family,

May you find comfort and strength at this time of loss.

With deepest sympathy,

Dianne Phillips

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