Paul Ray Bates

Paul Ray Bates, 76, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Monday, September 26, 2016, at Wabash General Hospital.

            Paul was born August 1, 1940, in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Bernard and Dorothy (Stevens) Bates.  He was a 1958 graduate of Allendale High School continuing on to Southern Illinois University of Carbondale.  Paul graduated with a Bachelor’s in Math degree in 1964.  On August 31, 1962, he married Phyllis Hoffee at Trinity United Methodist Church.

            Paul was a farmer by trade and loved it dearly.  He began farming with his parents and then he farmed alongside his brothers.  Family was very important to Paul and he relished every moment he had with them, especially his grandson.  He adored being called “Grandpa.”  He had a passion for antique tractors and collected them for many years.  Paul was a member of Adams Corner United Methodist Church.

            Left to cherish his memory is his wife Phyllis, of 54 years of marriage; his daughter, Angela and her husband Emiljan Stropani; a grandson, Guliano Stropani; brothers, Dale and wife Linda Bates, and, Gene and his wife Nicki Bates; nieces Shaun (Billy) Ward, Marsha (Bob) Sirks, Elizabeth (Clay) Bethards; nephews, Chad (Keshee) Bates and Brent (Laura) Bates.

            Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Carl Bates.

            A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 29, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. at Highland Memorial Cemetery.  Pastor Nelson Reiber will conduct the service.

            Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Hope Pregnancy Center, 612 N Market Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.  Envelopes will be available at the graveside service.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

            Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Paul’s family.

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