WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Richard W. Bates Sr., 69, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, June 27, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on July 30, 1942, in Loves Park, Ill., the son of Richard W. and Jeanette (Penrose) Bates.

On Aug. 20, 1960, he married Dorothy M. Myers at Bethany Methodist Church in Chicago.

Richard was employed as a machinist at Edgewater Products in Chicago for 25 years and retired in 2000.

He and his family moved to Wakefield in 2002.

Richard enjoyed collecting things and playing foosball. He especially loved spending time with family and friends.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Dorothy; beloved father of Rich (Christine), and their sons, Ken and Justin, all of Wakefield, Dave, and his son, Nick, both of Hoffman Estates, Ill., John (Marnee), and their children, Jonathan, Tyler, Christopher, Haley, Mike, Matthew and Justin, all of Wakefield, and Debbie (Ray) Ojito, and their son, Ryan, all of Ironwood; a sister, Phyllis Myers, and her children, Terry, Sherry, Dawn and Bernie Jr.; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Myers, and her children, Loreen, Leonard Jr., John and Catherine, and Patty Myers, and her sons, Jim and Steve; several nieces and nephews; and his faithful companions, Brandy and MacIntosh.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Bernie Myers; and his uncle, Robert Penrose.

The Bates family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, July 2, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield, where a memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. The Rev. Ted Trudgeon, pastor of the United Methodist Church in Wakefield, will officiate.

The memory of Richard will never be lost to those who were lucky enough to know him.

Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.