Roger Bates, Sr.

Roger Alan Bates, Sr., age 69, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 5:42 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

He was born September 3, 1948 in Macomb, Illinois the son of Grant T. and Vivian Irene Johnson Bates.  He married Bonnie Stout on September 15, 1975 at the home of his parents in Mt. Sterling.

Roger was an electrician and had worked for Lindsey Childers in Versailles for several years and earlier in life worked as a heavy equipment operator. 

He attended Brown County schools and also attended John Wood Community College in Quincy, Illinois.

Mr. Bates was a member of the Mt. Sterling Presbyterian Church of Christ. 

Roger served as a scout master for several years.   He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, camping, hunting and fishing, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include 5 children Duane Davis of Jacksonville, Illinois, Kevin Davis of Raymond, Illinois, Vivian Pope (Allen) of Nokomis, Illinois, Debbie Bates (Chris Sawyer) of Jacksonville, Illinois and Roger Bates, Jr. of Versailles, Illinois.  13 grandchildren Keith Harbert, Kimmy, Airyk, Brent, Alexis and Kaylei Davis, Taylor, Kirsten and Grant Pope, Jehvonne White, Jheminyah Sawyer and Jeffrey and Alyssa Bates.  2 sisters Judy Newton of Mt. Sterling and Bonnie Wells of Rushville also survive along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister Sherry in infancy and 2 brothers-in-law Donnie Newton and Dale Wells.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Matt Haberman officiating.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Memorials are suggested to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.

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