Lawrence M. Bates

BATES, Lawrence M. Mattawan Mr. Bates passed away early Friday morning, December 29, 2006 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born July 10, 1921 in Wabash, IN. Larry was a veteran of the United States Army serving during World War II and the Untied States Air Force serving during Korean Conflict. Mr. Bates was employed at Tuberculosis Sanitarium and Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital for 27 years until his retirement in 1983. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post # 3632 in Tempe, AZ and a lifetime member of American Legion. On June 2, 1954, Larry was united in marriage to Earl Jean Ramsey, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Audrey Ron Wesaw of Decatur, David Bates of Mattawan, and Michael Letitia Bates of Mattawan; six grandchildren, Justin Christina Thorne, Steven Thorne, David Sharyn Bates, Joshua Bates, Lauren Bates, and Collin Bates; three great-grandchildren, Gage, Noah, and Braelyn; one sister, Linda William Gleason of Ringgold, GA; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his father, John LeRoy Bates; his mother, Anna Bernice King Michaels; his step-father, William Michaels; and brother, Franklin Michaels. Services for Mr. Bates will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, with Rev. James Dyke officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at 1:00 PM at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.