Donald E. Bates, 88, of Cheshire, departed this life on Friday, February 26, 2010 at MidState Medical Center in Meriden. He was the loving husband of Ellen (Griswold) Bates. Donald was born on January 25, 1922, in Mansfield, CT, a son of the late Walter and Olive (Whitehouse) Bates. He was a veteran of the Second World War, having retired as a Major in the U.S. Air Force after serving for twenty years. During his service, he had been a pilot, a flight instructor and work with OSI. He was the recipient of several service awards including a Purple Heart. He had been a member of the Reserved Officers Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart and was a Master Woodworker. He had been a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wallingford. He had later worked twenty years for Data Documents in North Haven. In addition to his wife, he will be missed by his son, Douglas Edwards Bates of Milford and his fiance Eileen Gerwien; his two grandchildren: Jonathan D. Bates and Nigel T. Bates; and a sister: Louise Bates Wheeler of Wallingford. He is preceded in death by his brother, Vaughn R. Bates. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm Street, Wallingford from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. It is suggested that contributions in his memory be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or the First United Methodist Church, 941 Old Rock Hill Rd., Wallingford, CT 06492. To leave a message of hope and remembrance or for directions please visit www.BCBailey.com.