Charles E. Bates

Charles Edward Bates, at the age of 85 passed away peacefully on Thursday July 23, 2026.

Chuck was born May 22, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Alonzo E. Bates and Leila Haystead Bates. He grew up in Redford Township with his two brothers Larry Bates and the late Robert Bates. He graduated from Redford Union High School in 1959. He then got his degree from Central Michigan University while working as the Industrial Engineer Manager at Chrysler where he worked for 37 years before retiring.

Chuck was a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ and put his faith into action every day, generously devoting his time, talent, and heart to serving Brightmoor Christian Church throughout his entire life.

Aside from his career, Chuck loved sports whether that was playing hockey or softball, or cheering for the Detroit teams throughout the years, but most of all he loved to golf. Also, Chuck loved to travel with his wife of 65 years, Cynthia Bates. Chuck and Cyndi spent many of their retired years traveling the world together, snowmobiling through YellowStone, cruises through Alaska and the Panama Canal, and his favorite trips to Aruba surrounded by his children and grandchildren as well.

Chuck was preceded in death by his Father and Mother Alonzo and Leila Bates, and Brother Robert Bates.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife Cynthia (Crittenden) Bates, Brother Larry Bates, Children Michael (Amy) Bates, Thomas (Briana) Bates, David (Cary) Bates, Christy (Phil) Milbrandt, grandchildren Taylor (Lauryn) Bates, Ross Bates, Sarah (Ricky) Gonzalez, Nikki (TJ) Joy, Stephen (Chloe) Bates, lan Bates, Wyatt Bates, Hannah Milbrandt, Lizzie (Ryan) Gilliam, Josh Milbrandt, and great grandchildren Kaiden Gonzalez, Paxton and Izzie Joy.

A Visitation will take place at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Thursday August 13, 2026 from 2:00 - 8:00 PM. His Funeral Service will be held at the Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile Rd., Novi. Friday. August 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM with visitation starting at 10:00 AM.  A Committal Service will take place at Parkview Memorial Cemetety, Saturday with the time to be determined.

Please share a memory of Chuck by signing his Guestbook.