IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Donald "Squeak"
Bates
August 10, 1950 – March 2, 2021
Obituary
Donald "Squeak" R. Bates, 70, of Mendota, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2021 in his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Don was born August 10, 1950 in Ottawa to Dorothy Elizabeth (Smith) Coonen.
He attended Mendota Public School. Don worked for Motor Wheel Corporation in Mendota where he was employed for several years. He then started his career in the drywall business at Illinois Valley Drywall. He later formed his own company, DRB Drywall, providing both drywall and painting services.
After a long day of work, Don enjoyed sitting uptown in his truck while listening to music, watching the traffic and socializing with his friends and family. Don enjoyed home remodeling, had a love for restored cars and was a familiar face at area car shows and swaps. He especially felt great pride in spending time with his family and close friends.
Don is survived by three daughters, Donna (Rob) Saunders and Tara (Ryan) Young both of Mendota and Jenna (AJ) Finch of Pulaski, TN. He is further survived by one brother, James (Rita) Bates of LaSalle; four sisters, Patricia Miller of Mendota, Karen Harrison of LaSalle, Gloria (Paul) Muskopf of Peru and Lori (Dale) Hall of LaSalle; Don also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his stepfather and mother Howard and Dorothy Coonen.
Visitation will be held on March 13, 2021 starting at 10:00 a.m. at the former First Baptist Church, 900 Monroe St. Mendota. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Pastor James Duncan. A luncheon will be from 12-3 p.m. Private interment will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota at 4 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded. Merritt Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
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