Michael Howard DeBates

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 his brother, Stephen DeBates.

Mike served in the United States Air Force from September 1961 to June 1966. After his service, Mike worked for Motorola as a two-way radio service technician and RCA as a two-way radio salesman. Mike was also a driven entrepreneur, purchasing his own company in 1976. Pace Communications Services Corporation, based in Waukegan, Illinois, was part of the hard-working small business community for 30+ years until 2006 at the time of his retirement. Mike’s most cherished memories were of fishing in Canada, traveling to Mexico 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) of Port Charlotte, Florida; Sons, Jason (Emily) DeBates of Grayslake, Illinois and Keith (Melanie Hamann) DeBates of Stuttgart, Germany; Daughter, Julianne DeBates-Brennan of Port Charlotte, Florida; Sister, Diane (Art) Fanter of Coal Valley, Illinois; Sister-in-law, Sharon DeBates; Grandchildren, Nicholas (Jennifer) Brennan of McHenry, Illinois, Elizabeth (Anthony) Mertz of Beaufort, South Carolina, Colin (Jennie) Brennan of McHenry, Illinois, Sydney Brennan of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Lily DeBates of Des Moines, Iowa, George DeBates of Grayslake, Illinois, Skyler Mendenhall of Stuttgart, Germany, and Ryan Mendenhall of Stuttgart, Germany; 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 always 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. We will forever love and miss his unforgettable presence in this world.

Family will hold a Celebration of Life in Florida and in Illinois at a future date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a contribution to your favorite charity in memory of Mike.