Verne Bates Sr.

Verne Jack "Bud" Bates Sr. Verne Jack "Bud" Bates Sr. died at his home on October 21, 2009. Verne was born July 8, 1924 to Silas and Bessie (Haken) Bates, in Berkley, Michigan. Verne lived with his father, mother and brother Loren on the Grass Farm in Rust Township prior to moving to his current home in Hillman in 1937. Verne served in World War II in the United States Army Air Force as a Sergeant and airplane mechanic. He married the former Thelma (Ferrell) in August of 1951. Verne worked as a truck driver and a mechanic prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Hillman United Methodist Church, and a lifetime member of the Hillman Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Verne is survived by his loving wife, Thelma of Hillman; and his five children, Charlotte (John) Cox of Bay City, Michigan, Betty (Dave) Karbon of Turners Falls, Massachusetts, Rita Bates of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Verne (Tamyra Robinson) Bates Jr. of Pinconning, Michigan, and Cindy (Kevin) Hunt of New Baltimore, Michigan. Verne is also survived by his brother Loren (Virginia) Bates of Fountain Valley, California. He leaves 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family. Verne was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services for Mr Bates will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Hillman United Methodist Church, Pastor Donald Derby. Interment will take place at the Hillman Rust Twp Cemetery. There will be visitation from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Green Funeral Home, Hillman, MI. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Verne's name to the Seton Cancer Institute at St. Mary's of Michigan Foundation, 800 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601, or Hospice of the Sunrise Shore, 109 N. 2nd Ave, Alpena, MI 49707.
Verne is survived by his loving wife, Thelma of Hillman; and his five children, Charlotte (John) Cox of Bay City, Michigan, Betty (Dave) Karbon of Turners Falls, Massachusetts, Rita Bates of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Verne (Tamyra Robinson) Bates Jr. of Pinconning, Michigan, and Cindy (Kevin) Hunt of New Baltimore, Michigan. Verne is also survived by his brother Loren (Virginia) Bates of Fountain Valley, California. He leaves 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family. Verne was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services for Mr Bates will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Hillman United Methodist Church, Pastor Donald Derby. Interment will take place at the Hillman Rust Twp Cemetery. There will be visitation from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Green Funeral Home, Hillman, MI. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Verne's name to the Seton Cancer Institute at St. Mary's of Michigan Foundation, 800 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601, or Hospice of the Sunrise Shore, 109 N. 2nd Ave, Alpena, MI 49707.