Obituary: Donald Ralph Bates, 96, of Branch

Donald Bates

Donald Ralph Bates, 96, of Branch passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Don was born on June 4, 1930 in Deer Lake, the second of eight children born to Ralph and Elma (Britton) Bates.  Don was in high school when his mother died and the children were split up and grew up in separate families.  Don lived with the Millers and was able to graduate from Luther High School where he was an excellent athlete and excelled in baseball and basketball.  His graduating class was 18 students, including his future wife, Jane Marie Myers. Don and Jane were married on September 19, 1950 and celebrated 65 years together before Jane preceded him in death in 2015.  Following high school, Don served his country with the United States Navy and upon his discharge from service went to work in Lansing for Goodyear Tire and Rubber.

Don enjoyed the outdoors and loved fishing, hunting, bowling, golf… and cutting wood.  After 38 years of living in Lansing, Jane and Don returned to the Lake County area they loved and built a home in the woods near Branch.  With the split up of his siblings when he was young, Don truly appreciated family, and loved spending his time making that a priority in his life.

Along with his wife Jane, Don was also preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Elma; his siblings Jean, Robert, Norma, Arlene, and Ruth; his son- in-law Chuck Marshall; and grandson Nathan Marshall.

Don will be greatly missed by his brother Merl and sister Marion; his children Rick (Wanda) Bates, Ann (David) Layton, and Beth Marshall; his grandsons Jason, Kyle, and Andrew; his granddaughters Kristin, Jenny, and Sarah; 14 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Don died on September 19, 2026: his wedding anniversary.  As his grandson Jason said, “Grandma, come get him.” And she did!

Those who wish to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to please consider Northstar Hospice of Michigan, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral services will be held for Don at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 26 at Lakeview Cemetery in Irons where Don will be laid to rest next to his beloved Jane.

Please visit Don’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Don with his family.