Donald J. “D.J.” Bates Jr. 1981-2008

Article Photos

WOOSTER - Donald J. "D.J." Bates Jr., 26, died suddenly Friday, July 11, 2008, at Akron General Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 6, 1981, in Pittsburgh, the son of Donald J. and Kathryn R. Edwards Bates Sr.

D.J. attended Bristol High School. Formerly of Millersburg, he had lived in Wooster for the last couple of years where he was employed by the Wooster Rubber Co. His hobbies included camping, fishing and golfing.

D.J. is survived by his father and stepmother, Don and Dawn Bates of Bristolville; his mother, Kathy R. Bates of Warren; brothers, Daniel (Lisa) Bates of Warren and Devin Bates of Collegedale, Tenn.; sister, Rebecca Bates of Warren; his fiancee, Brittany Smail of Wooster; nieces and nephews, Zach and Christian Kountz, Seth Byers, and Corina and Layla McClung; paternal grandmother, Bernice Bates of Cortland; and maternal grandmother, Dorla Edwards of Florida. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Phillip Bates, and maternal grandfather, John Edwards.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Baumgardner Funeral Home, 8569 Main St., Kinsman. Cremation will follow services. Calling hours will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Guestbook is available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com.

(special notice)