Birth date: Jan 9, 1950 Death date: Jun 28, 2013
Donald ""Gator"" Bates, age 63 of Centerville, Iowa, passed away Friday, June 28, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. He was born January 9, 1950 in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Litel Joseph and Doris Marion (Conger) Ba Read Obituary
My heart is broken as is many. In the years we shared together there was never a bad day. He was good to me and my children and our friend ship was special that lasted over 45 years. We talked often and always laughed over silly things. His children were his world and through them he lives on. He will always have have a place in my heart. God's speed my friend ride free through the clouds besides your brother Ronnie and all the brothers who wait.I love you. Thanks for being part of my life,it was a blessing I am proud to have called you friend.till we met again. Posted by frani crane - w.Burlington, IA - life-long friends July 01, 2013
My three friends are now together forever.Always proud to have known them all. Donnie will now find peace. My condolences go to all his family and friends left behind.Mayyou know God has his hands on you now. Posted by john alden wright - Beaumont, TX - friend July 01, 2013
Even though I'm a PHA Gater called me brother. And when he hugged me when he said it I knew he meant it. I will miss him too. Posted by Professor - Oskaloosa, IA - Brother! July 01, 2013
To the Bates Family, we are very sorry for your loss. Donnie will be missed by many.. May your friends give you comfort and God grant you peace. Posted by David and Kathy Prewitt - Pollock, MO - friends July 01, 2013
To the family of Donnie Bates, I send my most sincere condolences. I remember my mom telling me that when she was expecting me, she wanted me to be twin boys like Doris had because they were so cute! But she got me! And I think the love I felt for those boys started when I was still in the womb. My kids even love to hear the stories and memories I have of Donnie and Ronnie. Donnie bought me yellow pompoms for my roller skates and I was the envy of the girls. He will always have a special place in my heart and I will miss him. But I rejoice in knowing that someday I will see him again in heaven. Posted by Pauline Wyckoff Kozak - St Charles, IA, IA - Friend July 01, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss and the pain you have right now. I pray God will fill your days will comfort, and ease your pain as you recall happier times with Donnie. I remember as a 13-14 yr old girl, having a crush on both Donnie and Ronnie, when they were visiting at Aunt Joan & Cindy's....it must have been at Neal's funeral...I thought they were so cute. I often wondered what became of them. Sounds like he turned out to be a great person and a wonderful friend to many! My deepest sympathies to the entire family! Posted by Nancy Baker - Des Moines, IA July 01, 2013
I'm so sorry for the loss of Donnie.I have a lot of fond memories of the twins. They will both always have a special place in my heart. I pray that you find comfort during this difficult time. Posted by Carol Ann Hayes - Centerville, IA July 01, 2013
I have many good memories of Donnie, from kindergarten at Cincy through high school. He and Ronnie were always full of energy, spunk.. I can still see them smiling. Thought and prayers to all the family now and in the days ahead. Posted by Regina - Bloomfield, IA - old school chum July 01, 2013
