John Edgar Bates

John Edgar "Jack" Bates Jr., age 91, died Saturday, November 26, 2016 at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mount Clemens, Michigan with his family at his side. Jack was born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late John Edgar Bates and the late Irene Catherine (nee: Robinson) Bates.Jack was raised in Detroit and graduated from Detroit's Denby High School. Following his schooling, Jack enrolled at Central Michigan University before being called to serve his country during World War II. Jack served in the United States Navy from February 1943 until receiving his honorable discharge in July of 1946. He would ultimately attain the rank of Lieutenant. Jack returned home following his military service and also resumed his studies, attending and graduating from Wayne State University in Detroit with a Master's Degree. Jack was a constant educator who sought more knowledge and learning experiences, not only for himself but for others. His life evolved and revolved around education and the betterment of the world. He worked for over 40 years at Wayne State University and served the University in varying roles from educator, to Dean of Student Activities, and also the Assistant to the President of the University. Jack was a man of many passions. Throughout his life he was an avid sailor and boater, along with enjoying his other love of the outdoors,...hunting. He loved all types of music, especially jazz, and was a self-taught musician who enjoyed playing the saxophone, piano, banjo, as well as many other instruments. Jack was involved with so many different organizations, groups, civic organizations, and especially at Wayne State University. It was very hard to understand how he managed to be present at so many functions. A central point of Jack's life was his family and children with whom he made time to be both a mentor and loving father.Beloved husband of the late Margaret "Peg" Bates, and dear father of Catherine Drabant, Marjorie (William) Heck, John E. Bates III (Laura Harman), and Linda Evo. Loving grandfather of Jaime (Michael) Picio, Michelle (Greg) Kinney, Charles Heck, Maureen (Jeremy) Fernicola, Michael (Sara) Heck, Chad (Roberta) Hodges, and Danielle (Randy) Goldenberg. Cherished brother of Dr. William L. Bates, Marjorie Parsons, H. Charles (Patricia) Nelson, Catherine Leidner, and the late Charlie Bates. Also survived by ten great- grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends. Visitation for Mr. Bates will be held Friday, December 2nd from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile) in Warren. His Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday at the Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, c/o Detroit Historical Society Dept # 771783 PO Box 77000 Detroit, MI 48277, Disabled American Veterans, www.DAV.org, or the Detroit Zoological Commission, https://zoonet.detroitzoo.orgPlease share memories of Jack at his memory book above.