Clarence 'Benny' Bates

Clarence G. ‘Benny’ Bates, 84, of Toronto, OH, passed away Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

Benny was born Jan. 13, 1931 in Dola, WV, son of the late Donovan ‘Daryl’ and Margaret ‘Molly’ (Barker) Bates.

He was a retired from Communication Construction Corp. where he worked as a line foreman. Benny was a member of the Toronto American Legion Post #86, the Toronto Eagles and a Past Commander of the former Toronto VFW #6906.

Benny was a Veteran of the U.S. Army having served his country in the Korean War. He also loved spending time at Frog’s Tavern in Toronto.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David L. Bates, Sr. and his great-granddaughter, Isabella Rose.

Benny leaves behind his wife, Laura Mae (Bishop) Bates of home; his four sons, Daryl (Brenda) Bates of Clermont, FL, Jake (Michel) Bates and Bruce Bates both of Toronto, Scott (Donna) Bates of Alta Vista, KS; his five daughters, Katherine (Jim) Smith of Toronto, Pam Liddick and companion Jeff of Alta Vista, KS, Nora Dibler and companion Bob Holmes, JoAnn (Dewey) Westbrook, Margaret Bates all of Toronto; his sister, JoAnn (Paul) Conner of Toronto; his two brothers, David Bates and Marvin L. Bates, both of Toronto; twenty seven grandchildren and thirty four great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Benny will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto where his funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 am. Rob Minto will officiate his service and burial will follow in Island Creek Cemetery in Toronto. Military Graveside Honors will be provided by the Toronto American Legion.

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