William Almond Bates III, age 76, passed away September 8th, 2022. Born October 10th, 1945 in Ottawa, Kansas, to William Bates Jr. and Helen Bates. On May 28th, 1966, he married Susan Marie Loeffel in Arlington Heights, IL.
Bill served honorably in the United States Army on active duty from 1966 through 1968, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He arrived in Vietnam as a platoon leader in the 25th infantry division just days after the beginning of the Tet Offensive. As platoon leader he received multiple awards for valor in combat, including the Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars for heroism. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. After 4 months of field action he was recognized and promoted to General s Aid. He provided security and support to the General, spending most of their time in the air over the iron triangle where he was a platoon leader (Cu Chi, Tay Ninh, Trang Bang and Nui Ba Den). He received 7 air medals for flight time over enemy action and was shot down 3 times; once in a Huey, once in a Chinook and once in a C-123. He remained in the US Army Reserves until 1971 in which he attained the rank of Captain.
He worked successfully for 32 years in the retail industry. His career started in Chicago at Osco Drug in 1970, working his way up through increasing roles and responsibilities, retiring as Vice President of Operations at Albertsons in 2002.
Survived by his spouse, Susan Bates; Children: William IV (Bonnie) Bates of Magnolia, TX, Brandon (Katie) Bates of St. Charles, IL, Bryan (Allison) Bates of St. Charles, IL, Bradley (Kara) Bates of Elburn, IL, and Brett (Stephanie) Bates of Lisle, IL. Grandchildren: William V, Brock, Brynnley, Brody, Landon, Lauren, Paxton, Everly, Oliver, and Ethan. Preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation: Tuesday September 13th, 2022 4PM 8PM at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 W State St, Geneva, IL 60134.
Mass: Wednesday September 14th, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Church, 6N487 Crane Rd St. Charles, IL 60175.
Burial: Immediately following Mass at Prairie Cemetery 6N655 Crane Rd South Elgin, IL, Crane Rd. (Just north of St. Patrick Catholic church)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy https://www.misericordia.com/giving/donate-online/.
Phone a Donation call Beth Denbow at 773-273-2744 / bethd@misericordia.com
To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, visit the funeral homes obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com. For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva 630-232-7337. If you wish to mail condolences their home address is: 4N659 High Meadow Road, Saint Charles IL 60175-8514
In the 2022 Fall Connections newsletter we shared many stories about Bill Bates, The following are additional stories, photo's ( Just click) and comments submitted about Bill:
Bill Bates stories continued from the 2022 Fall Connection Newletter:
Cal Schwandt…I first went to work for Bill in the mid 80’s when I was a Market Manager in the Springfield, Il. Market. Bill had been a DM in southern Indiana and was transferred to the then District 5 in central Illinois and had his District Office in Springfield. Since Bill, Sue and the family lived in Springfield our 2 families were able to get to know each other. We had a rather embarrassing thing happen between our son Andrew and Bill …
Believe Bill was a Dubuque native as I worked with his Mom, Mary as apart timer there. We got along well including our time together in New England. Another one of the really good Osco guys now with the Lord. John Kromer
God rest Bill's soul.
Breaks my heart he was an awesome boss and man! My thoughts and prayers are with his family!! Brenda Keener
I was fortunate enough to be on Bill’s Central Region staff for four years and enjoyed every minute of it. A great mentor and leader. He will be missed!! JP Larson
I am so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I was very fortunate to be his liquor license manager for his central region stores for at least four or five years. He was a man that always brought laughter into my day no matter how difficult it seemed to get that license. My thoughts and prayers go to Susan and his sons and family. He was a great man who will be truly missed Barb Nunziato