Obituary of Earle Franklin Bates

Earle Franklin Bates was born on May 22, 1931 in LaSalle.   He was the youngest of nine children born from the union of the late Mathias and Carrie (Delvinthol) Bates. Earle graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1950.   He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably during the Korean War obtaining the rank of Corporal.

Earle took employment with the Ford Motor Company and retired in 1981 after 30 years of service. On August 26, 1961, Earle married the love of his life, Judith Millyard, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. From this union came the birth of four children. Earle wasn’t someone who could sit long. In 1996 Earle went back to work for his daughter as an office manager for her lawn care service, Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscape.  He wouldn’t retire from this role until 2013.

First and foremost, Earle loved his Lord and Savior and received his spiritual nourishment at Crosswalk Community Church.  Earle was an early riser and had the energy to go all day. He often visited garage sales and flea markets in search of a bargain. Earle liked to work on projects around the house or helping others with theirs.  He also loved to work in his many gardens, harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Earle was a jokester, known for his embellishment of stories. He and his wife often held lavish parties, known as “Bates Parties” with friends and family and loved to play card games. Earle had an open-door for those in need, often preparing care packages for families he didn’t know. He enjoyed cooking and was known for his famous chili.

Earle, age 86 of LaSalle passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2017. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his beloved wife:  Judith in 2015; and grandson:  Ryan Bates in 2006. 

To cherish his memory, he leaves four children:  Jeff (Dave) Bates of Toledo, Scarlette Bates (Nancy Blair) of Luna Pier, Greg Bates of LaSalle, and Suzette Bates of LaSalle; a daughter-in-law:  Lisa Bates (Scott Albain) of LaSalle; seven grandchildren: Jamie (Rob) Lindsay, Joshua Bates, Ashley (Rob) Currie, Courtney Phillips, Jake Thompson, Zack Miller, Luke Miller; six great grandchildren:  Tyler, Alexia, Landon, Ava, Ella, and Ayden.

Earle also had a very close relationship with his siblings; Francis Stilwell, Jane Satterfield, Rose Schumate, Charles Bates, Lawrence Bates, Edward Bates,Marie Kelly and Bertha Rita Prater. 

Friends may gather on Friday, June 16, 2017 from 2:00pm-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10:00am also at Merkle’s with Pastor Dale Hayford officiating.   Procession will follow to Roselawn.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.