Dale W. Bates, 75, of Mount Carmel, Illinois passed away peacefully Friday, June 8, 2018 in DeWitt, Michigan at the residence of his daughter, surrounded by the love of his family. 

  He was born June 27, 1942 in Wabash County Illinois the son of Clyde Bernard and Dorothy Pauline (Stevens) Bates. 

He married Linda Walker at the First Christian Church in Allendale, Illinois on August 10, 1968.  Dale’s passing comes just months short of their 50th Anniversary.   Dale greatly enjoyed his lifelong career as a farmer. 

His love for farming overflowed into the abundant gardens he tended with loving care.  The highlight of each year was a family vacation with his granddaughters.

Dale faithfully served his country in the United States Army.  He was stationed in Germany serving as a Communications Specialist. 

Dale was a member of the 1961 graduating class of Allendale High School and The Community Church of God.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

 Dale will be remembered by his loving wife, Linda; daughter, Elizabeth Bethard and her husband Clay; granddaughters, Addison Dayle, Morgan RaeAnn and Reagan Elizabeth Bethard; brother, Gene Bates and his wife Nicki and sister-in-law, Phyllis Bates; along with many loved nieces and nephews. 

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Carl and Paul. 

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 22, 2018 at The Community Church of God, 1532 College Drive, Mount Carmel, IL with Pastor Joy Sherman officiating.  A Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Wabash Presbyterian Cemetery in Wabash County, Illinois. Family and friends may gather for a Visitation from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the Community Church of God.  

Memorial contributions may be made in Dale’s memory to Chemo Buddies of Evansville or the Community Church of God, Wee Kare program.  Envelopes will be at the Church or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 N Cherry St., Mt. Carmel, IL  62863. 

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Dale’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Bates family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com.