Donald W. Bates

Donald W. Bates age 88, of Caldwell, Ohio passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Southeastern Med Hospital in Cambridge, Ohio. He was born August 31, 1933 in Stark County, Ohio, a son of the late Gordon and Reah Ruby Bates.

He was a member of the Caldwell Church of Christ, Noble County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, and the DAV – Chapter 87 all located in Caldwell. He served and protected his nation in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed woodworking in his free time. Many will remember Donald having served his community as the owner and operator of the former Bates Appliance Store located in Caldwell for many years.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Roena P. Smith Bates, whom he married June 27, 1953, and who passed away June 2, 2020.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children LaDonna (Bob) Cordell, Lorraine Davis, Galen (Michele) Bates, Glenda (Dan) Skidmore, Bryan Bates, and Leah (Kevin) Davis; grandchildren Tyler (Rebecca) Cordell, Tracy Davis, Gabrielle, Wade (Shania), and Samuel Bates, Roy (Nikki) Skidmore, Kelly Skidmore, Joshua (April) Bates, Morgan (Justin) Miller, Madison (Cody) Heddleson, Ariel (Trevor) Bates, Kevin (Heather) Davis, Dustin Davis, Katlyn (Dave) Dailey, and Kalob Davis; 21 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Dorothy (Don Bridgeman Sr.) Schott; nieces and nephew Eddie, Elizabeth and Janie. He is also survived by many friends.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A Graveside Service will follow visitation on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the Dudley Cemetery, with David Cater officiating. Burial will follow with military graveside honors conducted by the Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. Memorial contributions may be directed in Donald’s honor to the Caldwell Church of Christ, 104 Cumberland Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. Please join us in remembering Donald by visiting his memorial at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net