Ernest R. Bates

Ernest (Ernie) R. Bates passed away Feb., 27, 2008 in Muskegon. Ernie was born to Harry and Coila Bates in Shelby, MI. He married Bernadine L. Raeth on Jan., 1, 1941. Ernie was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in WWII with two of his brothers and one sister. He worked for Associated Truck Lines driving truck for 34 years in the Muskegon area. He loved camping and traveling and walking the Mackinac Bridge every Labor Day and working in his workshop making things for his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his four children; Dennis (Audrey) Bates, Dale (Diane) Bates, both of Muskegon, Connie (Ted) Hawkins of Bloomfield, In. and Daniel (Linda) Bates also of Muskegon; brothers, Joseph (Doris) Bates, Gerald (Arlene) Bates, Gordon (Julie) Bates and sisters, Shirley (Norman) Robinson, Beverly Sullivan, and Cookie (Ed) Whisler; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Bernadine and brother, Floyd "Keith" Bates and sister Virginia Anderson. Visitation will be at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby, on Fri., Feb., 29, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be at St Stephens Lutheran Church, west of Shelby, Sat., March 1, 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider a donation to Hackley V.N.S. Hospice.