David L. Bates

David was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1973-1977. As a civilian, he enjoyed a long career in both business and sales. David was a sports fan.

He loved baseball and was an avid Green Bay Packers football fan, so much so he assisted the camera crew during televised Packers football games at Lambeau Field.

David was a voracious reader and volunteered at Lakeshore Humane Society. With his

warm and congenial personality, David easily made friends wherever he went.

David is survived by: his son, Richard Bates whom he lovingly referred to as “Duke” (Heidi) of Dunkirk and his daughter, Kristin “Scooter” (James) Zappie of Brocton, NY; grandchildren: Anna Bates, Anthony and Lillian Zappie; his brother, Robert W. Bates Jr., of Fredonia, NY and his sister-in-law, Betty Bates; uncle of: Robert W. Bates III (Annabelle), of Fredonia, NY, Tracey (Jonathan) Stephens of Ramona, CA, Jeff (Rebecca) Mlacker of Brant, NY, Michael (Debbie) Mlacker, of N. Tonawanda, NY; Susan (Joe) Michaelis, of Scottsdale, AZ., Lisa (Bill) Backus, of Antwerp, NY, John Finale, of Silver Creek, NY and BJ Finale, of Dunkirk, NY. David is also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews. Besides his parents, David is predeceased by his older brother, Walter Bates, sister-in-law, Linda Bates and his nephew, David Finale, of Dunkirk, NY

No prior visitation. A Celebration of Life service will be held and announced at a later date. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY 14048 (lakeshorehumanesociety.org) Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.