Richard 'Dick' L. Bates

Richard L. Dick” Bates, 81, of Westville, passed away at 2:43pm, Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at his home. He was born on January 18, 1933, in Westville, IL, the son of William and Grace {Sampson} Bates, both deceased. He was united in marriage to Nancy Jessup on June 15, 1957, in Westville, IL. She will miss him dearly. He will also be missed by: his children, Terry (Lin) Bates of Sidell, IL, and Tammy (Gary) Burrows of Jacksonville, FL; his brother, James J. Bates of Arroya Grande, California; his grandchildren, Ryne Bates of Sidell, Kalyn (Reece) Robinson) Bates of Sidell, Katie Burrows of Ottawa, IL, and Erin Burrows of Jacksonville, FL; and his great grandson, Oliver Robinson of Sidell. His brother, Howard Bates, preceded him in death. Dick retired from Tee-Pak in Danville after 30 plus years. He was a proud Veteran serving in the US Air Force from 1952-1956. He was a member of the Community Church of God in Danville and volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity. He was also a long-time member of the Westville American Legion Post #51 and served as Commander. Dick enjoyed woodworking of all kinds, oil and folk art painting, and working in his yard. He was a man who knitted thousands of hats to give to needy people. Above all else, Dick loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandson. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm, Saturday, May 24, 2014, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, Westville, with Corey Stocksdale officiating. Visitation will be held 1pm-3pm prior to his service on Saturday at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted by Westville American Legion Post #51. A committal service will be held at a later date at Danville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in his name to Friends of Carle Hospice or Habitat for Humanity.