Michael David Bates

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we announce the passing of Michael David Bates, a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Michael, known to his family and friends as Mike, was born on July 29, 1956, in Lansing, Michigan, and he left us on September 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.

Mike was a proud graduate of Lansing Sexton High School, Class of 1974. His professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence as he served as a Regional Manager for True Green Chemlawn. Even in retirement, Mike’s zest for life continued as he enjoyed working part-time at Royal Scot Golf and Bowl in Lansing, a place where he shared his passion for the game and connected with his family, friends, and community.

Mike’s deep and unwavering love for his family was the cornerstone of his life. He took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, finding joy in every moment spent with them. His children—Stephanie Kevern (Tony), Lindsey Bates, Josh Bates (Jillian), Allyson Kowalski (Eric), and Miranda Bates, Step Children Sydney Whiting, Kara Whiting, and Ella Walker—were his greatest treasures. His beloved grandchildren, Brian, Wyatt, Braxton, Elise, and Addison, held a special place in his heart, their laughter and smiles lighting up his days. Mike was preceded in death by his cherished grandson Brian and his loving mother, Clara.

An avid golfer, Mike’s passion for the game was matched only by his fervent support for the Michigan State Spartans. He delighted in watching games with family and friends, his spirit and enthusiasm making every gathering memorable.

Along with his children and grandchildren, Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Jennifer Bates; his father, Richard Bates;  his siblings Leanna Beckner (Tim), Scott Bates (Wendy), Brian Bates (Tammy),  Mary Bates, several nieces and nephews and extended family members. Each of them carries forward his legacy of kindness, loyalty, and love.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Royal Scot Golf and Bowl on Grand River in Lansing on Saturday, October 12th, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of Greater Lansing in recognition of the compassionate care provided.

Mike Bates was a man of great integrity, warmth, and passion. His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him, and his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to call him family and friend. His legacy of love, laughter, and joy will remain in our hearts forever.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

 

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18 Messages to “Michael David Bates

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Margie, Zack, Ryan, and Abby
September 6, 2024 at 6:23 pm

Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Prayers for peace knowing he is in the loving arms of our Lord.

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Heidi Stine
September 7, 2024 at 7:01 pm

Godspeed Mike. We all wish you could have joined us for one final HighSchool Reunion. My deepest condolences to Jennifer, your father and the rest of your family. Much love.

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Thomas Paul Timlin
September 15, 2024 at 2:52 pm

Amen Heidi, I am stunned and saddened by this, as all of Mike’s classmates are. He was an outstanding guy.

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Kent Mansberger
September 7, 2024 at 11:59 pm

My prayers go out to his family. I have known Mike since junior high school. Special pray for Mr Bates.

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Rick Guggemos
September 8, 2024 at 8:49 am

Mike, your smile says it all. I can remember seeing you with your dad in Sexton’s gym when I came for a visit to our high school. I hope you find some good golf games in Heaven. I am very happy to have met you and called you friend.

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Ralph Ebersole
September 8, 2024 at 12:25 pm

My family and I are terribly sorry for your loss. Prayers.

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Christine Mikrut Campbell
September 8, 2024 at 3:29 pm

Please accept my condolences for this untimely loss. I didn’t know Mike, but I sure know and love his father, who was a great teacher of mine, and one who I remember now some 56 years later. My deepest sympathies to the Bates family.

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Richard mccloy
September 8, 2024 at 3:39 pm

The mccloy family has your family in our prayers. Rest in peace Mike.

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Mark Geahan
September 8, 2024 at 3:55 pm

My sincere condolences to the Bates family. Leanna I am so sorry! Mike reached out to me when my sister Robin passed. It was nice of him to do so. Prayers for your family!

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bobby little
September 8, 2024 at 4:59 pm

praying for all Bates family strong. sorry.

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Mike Maron
September 8, 2024 at 11:09 pm

Sincere condolences to Mikes family and his Dad Coach Bates. I’ve known Mike since Otto Jr high and Sexton, we shared many great times and memories then and after graduation on the golf course and working on class reunions. I’ll miss our talks and friendship. Gods blessings old buddy “RJ”
“DW”
Mike Maron

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Ted Farmer
September 11, 2024 at 5:43 pm

My condolences, too, to the Bates family for the loss of my childhood buddy. Lots of fond memories of playing at the Bates home, seeing Dick, Clara, Leanna, Scott and Brian. Bike races, playing whatever sport was in season with Mike, and scars on my knees to prove it. Eating Clara’s fine cooking. Dick was likewise a big influence on me at Sexton.

Mike was especially charismatic and fun loving, and everyone wanted to be around him.

Best wishes to you all for fond memories.

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Thomas Paul Timlin
September 15, 2024 at 2:35 pm

I am beside myself…a great guy whom we missed him at the recent high school 50th reunion. I am so sorry I didn’t catch this earlier. Although I was not a close friend but we were classmates, I remember how funny he was in the school musicals and told him so via the internet shortly after the reunion. I am grateful I got to spend time with many who were closer to him than I was. My profound condolences to the Bates family and friends. i had lost my only sibling, my younger brother in 2020, and I feel the and understand your loss. May God help you through this time of great sorrow and need.

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Shelli Kwiecien
September 23, 2024 at 10:33 am

Mike and I were coworkers for many years. We didn’t have a deep personal connection, but he always greeted me warmly and I would ask how his dad was doing (my teacher at Sexton). Mike will be missed dearly at Royal Scot. My sincere sympathy to the entire family and his friends. I hope you find peace in your hearts and that his memory lives on. He had such an infectious laugh and smile.

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Lori (LeBlanc) Schaibly
October 11, 2024 at 6:24 pm

I was shocked, as many of us were to hear that Mike had passed so quickly after seeing him just days before at our 50th high school reunion committee meeting and looking forward to enjoying the big 50th reunion event with him. I’m glad I served on that committee and had the opportunity to reconnect with Mike and share memories. He was a such a great guy (very much like his dad) and so many were proud to call him their friend. May you rest in peace Mike.

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Melissa Pearson JWSHS Class of 1983
October 12, 2024 at 5:54 pm

Condolences to the Bates family, and prayers for best of memories to ease your grief
.

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RoAnn Bates-Schneider
October 20, 2024 at 7:06 pm

To the Wonderfully Special Bates Family…
I was saddened to hear of your loss, Mike Bates…
Fortunately, I was able to see him when I accompanied my Father Roger Bates (Mike’s Uncle) to a High School Reunion…
I enjoyed seeing the entire Bates Clan and was particularly happy to see Mike…
I have very fond memories spending time with my Brother John and all the cousins…
He was always a very special cousin to me…
My thoughts, Prayers, Condolences, and Blessings are with you during this extremely difficult time…
I hope to visit sometime soon…
Sincerely…
RoAnn, Rachelle, Christian, and Luke Bates-Schneider

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Bruce and Melanie Miller
October 21, 2024 at 8:57 am

So sorry for your loss. When I think of Mike, a smile always comes to my face. I loved his passion for life. My sincere condolences to you and your family!
Always, Bruce and Melanie Miller

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