Donald Bates

Donald Edward Bates 84, of Toddville, formerly of Edgewater, MD passed away Monday October 18, 2010 at his home.
He was born on March 17, 1926 in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Austin and Marion Holden Bates.
Don attended school in Turtle Creek, Pa. He served in the 4th Marine Division in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign during WW11, was wounded at Iwo Jima, and awarded the Bronze Star for heroic service, the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He enjoyed attending Marine conventions and conferences and was very proud of his service to his country. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW.
On June 7, 1949 he married the former Phyllis Painter. She passed away December 3, 1992.
After returning from the war, he worked on the Union and Pacific Railroad in Pa. and eventually moved to Maryland where he operated his own business: Don Bates Tile, Co., retiring in 1999 at the age of 73.
Donald is survived by a daughter Donna Reusing and her husband David of Little Orleans, MD., a daughter P. Diane Burke and her husband Steve of Grasonville, a daughter Brenda Lee Bates of Toddville, and a son Richard Bates and his wife Beverly of Stevensville. Nine grandchildren: Lisa, Amy, Christy, Steven, Ashley, Destiny, Shawnte, Richard, and Brian; and thirteen great grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling to Arizona to visit with his beloved brother Bill and niece Cherrie.
His greatest enjoyment was fishing and crabbing on his boat "The Lacy J " with his good friend Vernon Phelps and visiting with all of his special friends in Cambridge.
A graveside service and inurnment will be held at 2:00 p.m., December 1, 2010 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA.
Arrangements entrusted to Curran-Bromwell Funeral Home, P.A.