Mack McCoy Bates

Haslett, Michigan

Born November 10, 1917 in Whitsburg, KY., to Enoch and Maggie (Adams) Bates, died January 11, 2013 at the age of 95. Mack worked in commercial building construction and was very active at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. He served in the Army during WWII, from October 1939-July 1945, where he was wounded twice. He was involved in D-Day at Omaha Beach and received the distinguished Purple Heart. He was also a member of the VFW Post #701, American Legion Post #264 and the Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Donna; children Wendal Mack Bates, Harold Dean Bates and Vivian McKiddy; eleven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and sister, Cathryn Merritt.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 14, 2013, 3:00 pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 13, 2012 from 2-4 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be Tuesday,12:00 pm at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI.

Those desiring may make contributions to Military Order of the Purple Heart, 5413-B Backlick Road, Springfield, VA, 22151, or Disabled American Veterans, Capital City Chapter Eight, P. O. Box 24151, Lansing, MI 48909, in memory of Mack.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com