Page 6
As the 32nd Annual Sumpter Fest takes place May 26
through 29 this year, there will be one face noticeably
absent fromthe crowds.
Former Sumpter Township Treasurer Alan Bates, 73,
who was also a valued member of the Parks and
Recreation Commission, died Dec. 24, 2016. Mr. Bates was
an active member of the commission and the parks and
recreation department and was very involved in the plan-
ning and organization of the annual festival.
Mr. Bates was the president of the Alan Bates Building
Co. in Sumpter and served as treasurer of the township
after spending many years involved in the management of
the community.
He was born June 30, 1943, the son of Albert and
Mariam Bates, and was raised in Dearborn Heights, mov-
ing to Sumpter where he founded and operated his busi-
ness.
Mr. Bates was known for his love of the community and
the Parks and Recreation Department had a special place
in his heart. He served as the parks administrator for the
township and was suc-
cessful in applying for
and receiving grants to
improve the recreation-
al parks inSumpter.
Mr. Bates had never
married, but is survived
by his special “family”
including Chris (Lori)
DeMond of Belleville.
He was also proud
“Papa Alan” to James
DeMond andhis family.
He was preceded in
death by his parents
and a cousin, Rosemary
Johnson.
His death was mourned by the entire Sumpter
Township community and his absence will be felt deeply
during the annual festival this year.
In memoriam
Former treasurer, commission member will be missed
Alan Darryl Bates
