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
I am sorry to hear about Donnie's passing. His whole family has always been special to our Wyckoff family. While he didn't always want us to see it, we always knew Donnie had a big heart. May God bless you all with happy memories as you miss the tough but sweet guy. Hugs to you, Linda and Judy. Love, Jayne Wyckoff Wells Posted by Jayne Wells - MILTON, IA - Friend of the family June 30, 2013
Eric and Brenda, we're praying you can feel God's love and comfort. Tom & Lena Rouh Posted by Tom and Lena Rouh June 30, 2013
Gator and his brother Ronnie both went to school with my sister Donna.I will say,Gator and Ronnie will always have my respect.When my father was in the VA hospital in Des Moines,Donnie and his brother made a special trip all the way to Des Moines just to see my father.A few years later,Gator came to show respect at my fathers funeral.When other people didnt show up,Gator showed up and gave his regards.Hell always have my respect,and Ill hold his family in my heart.Gator always had respect for fellow veterans,and had the guts to back up what he said.He could walk the walk,and would man up to back it up.Now hell take the long ride,and will be remembered by everyone. Im honored as a Patriot Guard member to be in his flag line to honor him. Posted by Jeff Medina - Centerville, IA - family friend June 30, 2013
Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers, and may your loving memories give you peace. Posted by Dennis & Beverly Sisul Laurson June 30, 2013
To the family of Don, it is with a heavy heart that Carol and myself express our feelings of sadness for your loss. Rocker Vnvmc Posted by Rocker and Carol - Des Moines, IA - Vnvmc Brother June 30, 2013
I have thought often Donnie over the years. I always considered him and the entire family fierce friends. I pray that you all find peace at this time as I know that Donnie has. Posted by Larry Allen - Lockridge, IA June 30, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. gator will be deeply missed by so many. Posted by brenda ziegler - hedrick, IA - friend June 30, 2013
I have to say I admired him! He marched to his own drum! I met him a few times, and always felt his heart was in the right place. He was a fellow Viet Nam Vet and knw he went thru hell and came back! Judy and Linda I'm sorry! I remember I pulled up to a stop sign down on 18th in a Corvette back in the 70's and he motioned me to pull out almost like the road is yours sir go ahead, gave me a hi sign! He had class! Posted by Jerry Power - Moravia, IA - Friend of family July 01, 2013
