Donald W. Bates

Don was born at City Hospital and lived his whole life in Akron Ohio. He went to St. Sebastian elementary school and graduated from Hower Vocational High School with perfect attendance over four years.

Don was a proud veteran having served two years in the US Army as a Medic, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, TX and Fort Benning, GA.

He worked for nearly twenty years at the Wilkinson Company as a sheet metal worker and machine operator. He then spent the rest of his career as a local delivery driver for a number of companies, maintaining a perfect driving record with no accidents or moving violations.

He was an avid sports enthusiast his whole life. Don played little league baseball and varsity baseball in high school. He followed all of the Cleveland sports franchises, wearing a Browns sweatshirt, a Cavs T-Shirt or an Indians jacket, always rooting for the home team.

Don was a lifelong parishioner at St. Sebastian Church in Akron. He was a devoted son and took care of his mother in her twilight years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lucie (Romestant) and Carl Bates and his brothers, John Watts and Edward Bates. He is survived by his niece Kelly (Rich) Gombert, his nephews John Christopher Watts and Mark Bates, and three grandnieces and one grandnephew.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rose Hill Funeral Home. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private service is planned at Western Reserve National Cemetery. Donations in his name may be given to the American Cancer Society.