William Almond Bates III, age 76, passed away September 8th, 2022. Born October 10th, 1945 in Ottawa, Kansas, to William Bates Jr. and Helen Bates. On May 28th, 1966, he married Susan Marie Loeffel in Arlington Heights, IL.
Bill served honorably in the United States Army on active duty from 1966 through 1968, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He arrived in Vietnam as a platoon leader in the 25th infantry division just days after the beginning of the Tet Offensive. As platoon leader he received multiple awards for valor in combat, including the Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars for heroism. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. After 4 months of field action he was recognized and promoted to General s Aid. He provided security and support to the General, spending most of their time in the air over the iron triangle where he was a platoon leader (Cu Chi, Tay Ninh, Trang Bang and Nui Ba Den). He received 7 air medals for flight time over enemy action and was shot down 3 times; once in a Huey, once in a Chinook and once in a C-123. He remained in the US Army Reserves until 1971 in which he attained the rank of Captain.
He worked successfully for 32 years in the retail industry. His career started in Chicago at Osco Drug in 1970, working his way up through increasing roles and responsibilities, retiring as Vice President of Operations at Albertsons in 2002.
Survived by his spouse, Susan Bates; Children: William IV (Bonnie) Bates of Magnolia, TX, Brandon (Katie) Bates of St. Charles, IL, Bryan (Allison) Bates of St. Charles, IL, Bradley (Kara) Bates of Elburn, IL, and Brett (Stephanie) Bates of Lisle, IL. Grandchildren: William V, Brock, Brynnley, Brody, Landon, Lauren, Paxton, Everly, Oliver, and Ethan. Preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation: Tuesday September 13th, 2022 4PM 8PM at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 W State St, Geneva, IL 60134.
Mass: Wednesday September 14th, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Church, 6N487 Crane Rd St. Charles, IL 60175.
Burial: Immediately following Mass at Prairie Cemetery 6N655 Crane Rd South Elgin, IL, Crane Rd. (Just north of St. Patrick Catholic church)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy https://www.misericordia.com/giving/donate-online/.
Phone a Donation call Beth Denbow at 773-273-2744 / bethd@misericordia.com
To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, visit the funeral homes obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com. For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva 630-232-7337. If you wish to mail condolences their home address is: 4N659 High Meadow Road, Saint Charles IL 60175-8514