October 3, 1920 – October 12, 2022
Donald W. Bates, formerly of Myrtle Beach, SC, and East Longmeadow, MA, passed away at the Residence at Pearl Street in Reading on October 12, 2022. He was 102 years of age.
Donald was born in Springfield, MA, on October 3, 1920, the son of the late Wilson F. and Ruth M. (Sawtelle) Bates. He was the beloved husband of Jean (Crombie) Bates, and devoted father of Jacqueline Bates and her companion, Paul Lukowiak of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Thomas Bates and his wife Cynthia of Reading MA. He leaves five grandchildren; Kelly Flanagan and her partner Heather Peters, Todd Flanagan and his wife Debbie, Erin Flanagan, Aaron Bates and Katrina Madden and her husband Peter. He delighted in his nine great-grandchildren and also one great great grandchild.
Don grew up in East Longmeadow, MA and developed an early love for motorcycle racing. After a serious accident, he decided to trade in his bike for a pilot’s license. In 1941, before the United States entered World War II, Don left for Florida where he trained U.S. Army Air Force pilots. During the war, he trained officers and enlisted men in control tower operations. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1946.
While in Florida, Don convinced his childhood sweetheart, Jean Crombie, to join him and they were married on August 23, 1943. After the military, Don purchased his own plane and he and Jean traveled throughout the midwest and northwest parts of the country while Don did aerial surveying and mapping.
Having shared wonderful experiences, and with their family having grown to include daughter Jackie and son Tom, Jean and Don decided they would like to settle down and raise their children back in their own home town. They returned to East Longmeadow in 1952, moved in with his parents, and Don started a new career at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT. as a materials handler and x-ray technician.
In 1953, Jean and Don purchased a piece of land and together they designed and built their first home. Working nights and week-ends, the fruit of their labors was a warm and inviting three bedroom ranch that welcomed family and friends for more than 40 years.
Wishing to advance further at Hamilton Standard, in 1955 Don enrolled in night classes at the University of Hartford. He graduated 10 years later with a Bachelors of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Don went on to develop a non-destructive testing package for use on spacecrafts, and an isotope camera small enough to fit into a backpack. He was a member of the Non-Destructive Test Society of America and served as President of the Connecticut Valley Chapter. He also was active with the Society of Metallurgy and helped develop a manual for all metallurgical engineers.
With Don’s retirement in 1984, Jean and Don started on the next chapter of their lives. Together they biked through Portugal, cross country skied throughout New England, rebuilt his treasured little sports car, “Speedy Blue” and shared so many special times with family and friends. Photography, golf and bridge were other activities Don enjoyed. At 86, he scored his 2nd hole in one!
In their mid seventies and growing tired of New England winters, Don and Jean moved to Myrtle Beach, SC and lived there for 25 years, making many new friends and enjoying an active role in their church. In 2021, during the height of the pandemic, Don and Jean returned to Massachusetts to be closer to family.
Don lived a long and full life. Don and Jean were married for 79 years. Their commitment to each other, their family and friends is an inspiration to all of us. Holding hands, sharing laughter, and bringing others into their circle of love, they were inseparable. We will all miss Don dearly and cherish the many years we had with him.
There will be a memorial service later this year in their church in Myrtle Beach, SC.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Don’s memory to Beacon Hospice, 290 Merrimack St, Suite 242, Lawrence, MA 01843.
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