Donald Leroy Bates

Donald L Bates, 93 Auctioneer, WW-2 Veteran, former Chaplain for American Legion Post 72 and long-term resident of Newtown, Ohio passed away peacefully on 4/18/2020 while recuperating at the Veterans Home in Georgetown, Ohio after a recent fall. Don is survived by his children Wendy Bates and Donald “Brent” Bates, his favorite (only) daughter in law Renee Bates, Granddaughter Jennifer Oelker her husband Rick and great grandchildren Carlie, Isaiah, and Jonathan. Don is predeceased by his loving wife Garnet Bates. Don was an auctioneer for 65 years and was still working two months prior to his passing. He was known for his “colorful” banter while auctioning an item. If a bidder asked what kind of wood a piece of furniture was made of, the answer was always the same. “Tree wood.” If someone in the crowd called out an unusually low bid, his response was “Don’t hurt yourself.” An item was imported because Don insisted, he could “smell the sea water on it.” Don Bates Auctioneers sold many of Greater Cincinnati’s iconic business and landmarks, such as the Union Terminal, the Playboy Club, Madeira Manor and Barleycorns. Don was proud to be an auctioneer and gave back to the industry by teaching classes at Reppert Auction School and was inducted in the Ohio Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2011. Don lived for his auctions but also enjoyed karaoke, collecting military memorabilia and buying too many scratch off tickets. He dearly loved participating in area parades with his restored 1944 Willy’s Army Jeep while he waved at his many adoring fans. The family plans on taking his jeep in one more Newtown, Ohio parade in his memory. At 93 years old Don was asked when he was going to retire, he answered “I am not ready yet.” Don lived a full, interesting, and robust life. He conducted auctions in forty states and was recipient of two bronze stars for his military service but most importantly, he was a loving husband and the best Dad two kids could have ever had. Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A Memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Don Bates https://act.alz.org