Charles David Bates, 79, of Coldwater, passed away Wednesday June 28, 2023, at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Dearth Community Center in Coldwater, MI (262 S. Sprague St. Coldwater, MI 49036). A reading of the eulogy will be held at 3:00 p.m.
Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
He was born June 23, 1944, to Rea and Klair (Hunter) Bates in Jackson, MI. Charles married Ellen Mohney November 26, 1966, in Mendon, MI and she preceded him in death on February 20, 2019.
Charlie attended Mattawan schools but ultimately graduated from Portage Central High School. Charles’ family had a farm in Mattawan where he grew up and continued to farm even after moving to Coldwater, that he loved dearly.
He also led a long and rewarding career as the owner of Bates Tractor and Equipment in Coldwater.
Charlie was a proud lifetime member of the Branch County Fair, the Masons, and the Agri-Business Council. Mr. Bates was dedicated to his passion for agriculture and had even taught tractor safety for many years.
Charlie will be dearly missed as a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.
Charlie is survived by his children Susan Bates (Brian Smith) of Mattawan, Cheri (Chris) Weems of Mattawan, David (Kerri) Bates of Coldwater; his siblings Thomas (Cathie) Bates of Easly, SC, Eleanor Seavey of Zeeland; Brother-in-laws Joe Mohney of Brownsville, TX, Larry (Phyllis) Mohney of Frohna, MO, Bill (Linda) Mohney of Vicksburg, MI, Mark Mohney of Casco, WI; his sister-in-laws Patricia (Stan) Makowski of Vicksburg, MI, Mary Soule of Baldwin, MI, Brenda (Clyde) Wayne of Schoolcraft, MI Connie Mohney of Kalamazoo, MI and Diane Mohney of Kalamazoo, MI; his grandchildren Jake Weems, Allison Weems, Bailee (Dustin) Smallwood, and Bodee Bates; his great grandchildren Maizee and Bo Smallwood; his many loving nieces and nephews; and beloved his cat Tony.
Memorials may be made to the Branch County Fair.
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