Birth date: Jul 13, 1972 Death date: Sep 12, 2019
Alan McMillion Bates, 47 years, of Columbia, IL, passed away on September 12, 2019 at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, MO. He was born July 13, 1972, at Scott Air Force Base, IL. Alan owned and operated a long distance freight ha Read Obituary
Alan and I spent many nights at each others' houses. We were dorks who played Army guys a lot, watched the first airing of "Thriller" at his house, and also got several days of "time out" together at school. His mom and sister were so kind to me. He was a true partner in crime during my 5th-8th grades. I know he will be missed and made many memories in his life. May his family and friends find peace and celebrate the good times.
Alan was 3 when I came to Zion to teach 3rd grade. I met him when I made the home visit to be Beth's teacher. He was a bouncy/active boy. During that year Beth brought him over to me after school and said, "Mr B will you love my brother, too?" It was so sweet. He was actually bashful at that moment. He was not bashful in the 3rd grade! Boisterous full of all kinds of ideas and funny comments he was a"handful" but loveably so. Willa and I prayed together before the school year and throughout! His death, like Beth's, is very difficult to wrap my mind around but I know that God's grace is sufficient, God's love eternal and Willa and all who mourn him are in my prayers. Love, Mr. B
