Another member of the Greatest Generation, Harry C. Bates age 90, passed away August 8, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 27, 1923 on the family farm in Dexter to H. Carl and Ruby (Ott) Bates, the middle of seven children. He graduated from Dexter High School in 1940 and attended U of M for two years prior to enlisting in the Army Air Corps in the spring of 1942. He earned his pilot’s wing through aviation cadet training and was then stationed on various islands in the Pacific Theater where he flew P-40, B-24 and C-54 aircraft. He returned to Dexter the end of 1945 after WW II ended where he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy M. Gainsley on January 3, 1948. They were married over 65 years prior to her passing June 3, 2013. He was recalled to active duty in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict during which time he flew the RB-47 out of Columbus, Ohio. After his discharge in 1955 he returned to Dexter and built a home on the family farm where he lived until his death. He was employed as a tool and die engineer for many years by Argus Camera and Ann Arbor Machine Company finally retiring in 1995. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in Death by his parents and a sister Dorothy J. Bates. He is survived by his sons Hobart (Valerie) of Dexter, Gary (Sharon) of Port Huron and Eric (Traci) of Gardnerville, NV, granddaughters Carly (Brian) Bates-House and Abbey Bates both of Port Huron, grandsons Tristan, Jason and H. Colton Bates all of Gardnerville, NV, his sisters Louise Mann of Ann Arbor, Jeannette Turner of Dexter, Helen Stewart of Bellaire, MI and Carolynn Toney of Highlands Ranch, CO, a brother Bill Bates of Parker, CO and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He was active in all of his sons’ activities while they were growing up including sports, school events and Boy Scouts where he spent many weekends camping with them. He was also a founding member of the Ex-GI Club, now the Dexter American Legion Post 557 where he was a past commander and life member. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 13, 2013 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm and a funeral service Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 11 am, officiated by Father Brendan Walsh, with visitation prior at 10 am, all at Hosmer- Muehlig Funeral Chapel in Dexter. In lieu of flowers donations to the Dexter American Legion Memorial Fund are requested. www.hosmermuehlig.com
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