Mr. Robert T. Bates, 85, of Mazon, Ill. passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side early Thursday morning, March 18, 2021 in his home. He was born February 17, 1936 in Morris, Ill., the son of Albert O. and Pearl M. Bates. He received his elementary education at Verona Elementary School, and graduated from Mazon High School with the class of 1954. Bob married the love of his life, Evelyn A. Gantzert, on April 22, 1956 in the Park Street Congregational Church in Mazon, Ill. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 150 for 60+ years, and farmed from 1956-1979. He loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He also enjoyed fishing and playing cards. He was a member of the Shriners, Mazon Masonic Lodge #826, First Christian Church, New Community Christian Church, and was a board member for Mazon Brookside Cemetery, Mazon Park Board, and the MVK Ambulance Board. Surviving are his children: Steven (Angela) Bates of Loveland, OH; Lynn Bates of Minooka, IL; and Susan (Brian) Warning of Verona, IL. Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Erica (Dan) Read, Victor (Kathleen) Rexroade, Robert (Kaitlin) Rexroade, Taylor (Jason) Provins, Sydney (Bryan) Carpenter, Reagan (Blake) Shaw, Brittany Warning, Brooke (Nick) Andreatta, and Brianna (Marcus) Sellers. His 12 great-grandchildren: Cade and Kendall Read; Caleb, Max and Helen Rexroade; Jaxson, Everett and Otto Carpenter; Rowan and Asher Shaw; Isabella Andreatta; and Guy Rexroade; and several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Bates, in 2013; and siblings: Alma Mae McGuan, Helen Finch, and William (Bill) Bates. Visitation for friends and family was at Village Christian Chuch, 8965 S. Bell Road in Minooka on Sunday, March 21, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Nick Sandeno officiated. A private family interment was held in Mazon Brookside Cemetery, where Bob was laid to rest with his late wife, Evelyn. Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bob’s memory to the Mazon Brookside Cemetery Association. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guestbook, upload photographs, and share Bob’s memorial page online through social media by logging on to: www.ReevesF uneral.com/obituary/Robert-B ates Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815-942-2500)