Donald Lee Bates

March 31, 1927 ~ December 22, 2021
Donald L. Bates of Princeton, Illinois, passed away December 22nd at Liberty Village in Princeton. Don was born March 31st, 1927 in Neponset, Illinois, the son of Laurance and Lola (Mear) Bates. He graduated from Neponset High School in 1945 and from ISNU Normal, Illinois in 1949. He taught in Savanna, Illinois and Wyanet. He married Virginia (Jean) Fowler on June 11, 1950 in the Methodist Church in Neponset. Together they farmed at Neponset, Buda, and Wyanet, retiring in 1992.
Don was an active member of the Wyanet United Methodist Church and the Princeton Optimist Club. He served as a 4-H Leader, on the Buda and Wyanet High School Boards of Education, and the Federal Land Bank Board. For several years he taught Industrial Arts and was the home room teacher for special education students at Wyanet High School. After retiring he worked for local farmer Jim Chase and Anderson Mowing Service, and he volunteered as a Gold Coat at Perry Memorial Hospital.
Don called on God with a pure heart and was known for his grace and kindness toward people of all ages and backgrounds. Anyone would say he was slow to anger and encouraged the good in people.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Barbara (Neil) Schilling of Oswego, Beth (Greg) Lynch of Tucson, and Laurel (Jim) Gilbert of Aurora, and one son, Joe (Jody) of Princeton, and also 8 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, and 7 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Mary Jean Clapper, sisters Virginia Hepner and Margaret Heise, and brothers John and Allan Bates.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Grant Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, with Pastor Kelly McKune officiating. Calling hours will be from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial will take place in Floral Hill Cemetery, Neponset, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wyanet United Methodist Church, 112 W. Main St., Wyanet, Illinois or Second Story Teen Center http://www.secondstoryteencenter.org/. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
Don was a very dear friend, and long time neighbor. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Sending my love to his wonderful family.
I so appreciated Don, for his gentle spirit. He raised terrific kids as well. Of course his dear wife was an integral part of that picture. May God grant peace to the family.
May memories of a life well lived bring you all comfort and peace during this difficult time. Sending my love and deepest condolences.
so very sorry hearing of don’s passing. he was a neighbor, my high school teacher, and a fellow employee. but most important a gentle man.
We are so sorry for your loss. Take comfort as he starts his new life.
Uncle Don was a kind and gentle soul. I’m lucky to have known him!
Cal & I are very sorry to hear about Don. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Don was a wonderful person. He will surely be missed.
With our deepest sympathy, Cal & Kathy Moell
He was caring man and will be missed by all that knew him.