Pawnee — John William Bates, 76, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield. He was born April 6, 1947, in Springfield, the son of Harry L. and Erma J. Edwards Bates. He married Shirley Ann Lanthripp on Aug. 24, 1985, in Springfield. John was preceded in death by his parents.

John graduated from Feitshans High School in 1965. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He worked as a driver for Ag-Land FS for eight years, retiring in 2009. He had also worked as a bus driver for the Williamsville School District for 12 years.

John loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and camping. He enjoyed watching sports and was a St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs fan. He and his wife especially enjoyed traveling to Scotland to visit Shirley's parents. John loved spending time with his family, especially with his granddaughter, Sofia. He also had a special place in his heart for his dog, Maggie, and his former rescue and farm dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Pawnee; one son, Michael A. (wife, Jennifer) Bates of Berlin, New Hampshire; one granddaughter, Sofia Bingham; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elizabeth and Frank Farrell, of Mauchline, Scotland; two sisters-in-law, Debbie (husband, Mike) Brooks of St. Louis and Pam (husband, Tad) Rice of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.

John's family will meet friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee, with Larry Hanson officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, with the Department of Defense and Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County conducting military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlander, KY 41018 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 785516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of John Bates. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.