David M. Bates, Loved Baseball and Teaching

David M. Bates, 88, a resident of Avon Lake for ten years, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2013.

He was born on Jan. 12, 1925 in Arlington, VA. and graduated from Western High School in Washington, DC and The George Washington University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in History.

His love was teaching and he taught school in Fairfax County, VA in the early 1950s and then followed his father into the family printing business.

Dave loved to sing and sang in numerous groups for almost seventy years, including The George Washington University Choir, The Singing Capital Chorus and Lorain's Golden Crescent Chorus.

It is an understatement to say that he loved the game of baseball. He played, coached, umpired and followed baseball his whole life and became a steadfast Indians fan.

Dave was devoted and married to Dorothy Mathews for 53 years until her passing in 2011. He is survived by his son, Richard; daughter-in-law, Donna (nee Horensky); grandsons, Reilly and MacKenzie Bates of Avon Lake and Kyle Bates of Washington DC.

Friends may call at Lake Shore United Methodist Church, 33119 Electric Blvd, Avon Lake, Saturday April 13 from 11-11:30am with memorial service to follow at 11:30am. Rev. Nancy Manner will officiate.

Graveside service interment will take place Monday, April 15 at 11am at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042. Rev. R. Carl Ripley, Jr. of Community United Methodist Church, Arlington, Virginia will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to; The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180 or to George Washington University-Harmon Choral Fund, 801 22nd Street, NW, B-144, Washington, DC 20052.

--Obituary courtesy Busch Funeral and Crematory Services