Ronald "Ronnie" BatesMORTON - Ronald Dean "Ronnie" Bates, 86, of Morton, IL, passed away at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2016, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria, IL.Ronnie was born on January 12, 1930, in Bloomington, IL, a son of Sheldon and Dolly Wise Bates. He married Glennys Inell Sides on September 22, 1951, in Bloomington. She passed away on May 27, 1993.Surviving are four children, Sheldon Ray Bates of Danville, IL, Kevin Eugene Bates (Julie Paul) of Eureka, IL, and Cynthia Sue Cremer and Joey Dale Bates (Jane Clark), both of East Peoria, IL; four grandchildren, Ronald Andrew (Kate) Bates of Arlington, VA, Alex William (Sarah) Bates of Danville, IL, Chad Alan Cremer of Washington, IL, and Sarah Inell Bates (Ryan Buley) of Pekin, IL; and two great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Abram Bates of Danville, IL.He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Billy James Bates.Ronnie attended Normal University High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1947-1949 in Guam/Iwojima. He was a proud union worker with the Laborers Local #362 in Bloomington, IL. Ronnie served a term as secretary/treasurer for business manager Paul Penn. He retired after 25 years with the Ironworkers Local #112 in East Peoria, IL. Ronnie loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing and was a huge Cubs, Bears and Nascar fan. He was a tough, fair and generous man. He enjoyed sharing time, beer and making wagers with his many friends, most recently up and down Meadows Avenue in East Peoria. Ronnie will be remembered and missed by all.Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka. A graveside service will follow the visitation at Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka. Ronnie's family would like to give a special thank you and extend their appreciation for the kind and professional care he received from the fine surgical staff, ICU and hospice staff at Unity Point Health-Methodist. Memorials may be directed to the UnityPoint Health-Methodist Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.argoruestmanharris.com.