Nov. 13, 1950 — March 5, 2019

Daniel Lee Bates Sr., 68, of Cassopolis, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, March 5, 2019, in his residence of natural causes.

He was born Nov. 13, 1950, in Goshen, the youngest child born to Noah and Hazel Bates. He married Lou Anne Conrad in Cassopolis on Feb. 26, 1972. She survives.

Daniel retired from the Village of Cassopolis in 2005 after nearly 30 years, with the last 13 years spent as superintendent of the Public Works. He served many years volunteering and coaching for kids’ sports teams.

In later years, he enjoyed watching all of his grandchildren’s sports and activities. He also enjoyed hunting, the shooting range, Notre Dame football, grilling and spending time with his family. No one was exempt from his witty sense of humor. He loved his three dogs dearly.

Daniel will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lou Anne Bates, of Cassopolis; daughter, Lisa (Robert) Engelhardt, of Portage, Indiana; son, Daniel Lee (Shawna) Bates Jr., of Constantine; nine grandchildren, Caleb, Carter, Alexandria, Noah, Jamieson, Bryce, Cole, Allie Grace, Corwin; sister, Sarah Snyder, of Edwardsburg; brother, George (Florence) Reibly, of Peru, Indiana; mother-in-law, Barbara Conrad; sister-in-law, Kay (Jon) Krager; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, George Bates, Delbert Bates, Phillip Bates, Kenneth Reibly; three sisters, Emily Kern, Arliss Woodard, Helen Burns; father-in-law, Herbert Conrad; sister-in-law, Linda Conrad; and brother-in-law, Thomas Snyder.

Family and friends will gather from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019, and service at 11 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2019, in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, with the Reverend Greg Compton
officiating.

Mr. Bates will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis.

The family prefers contributions be made in Daniel’s memory to the family for the benefit of his grandchildren.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.