Obituary of Franklin Bates

Franklin D. Bates, 88, Bethany died May 2, 2023 at Bethany Village where he resided. He was predeceased by two wives, Irene Jubinsky Bates and Carol Olver Bates. Born in Aldenville, son of the late Henry and Lila Harvey Bates he was a graduate of Waymart High School. Frank worked for many years delivering fuel oil for Firmstone Oil Company until retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Bethany United Methodist Church. An avid sportsman, he was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Big Gobbler Hunting Club. He also enjoyed playing sports, especially softball, and was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees.Frank will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Debbie Bates, Waymart; two daughters and son-in-laws: Lucinda and Steve Reed, Honesdale and Sandra and Terrance Menotti, Ormond Beach, Florida; two step-children: Cassandra Knash and Richard Doney; five brothers: Cliff Bates, Honesdale, Leland Bates and his wife Nancy, Beach Lake, Harvey Bates and his wife Karen, Bethany, James Bates and his wife Kathy, Clark, NJ, and Jerry Bates, Honesdale; two sisters and brother-in-laws, Sally and Les Mang, Bethany, Marilyn and Jesse Johnson, Bethany; five grandchildren: Jeremy Tyler, Janette Rosenthal, Gregory Reed, Christopher Reed, and Sabrina Anderson; 9 great grandchildren: Elijah Rosenthal, Zachary Tyler, Aviona Rosenthal, Olivia Reed, Connor Reed, Elle Reed, Cedar Anderson, Lily Reed, and Leon Reed; several nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. He was also predeceased by three brothers: Donald,Ray and Vince Bates. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions are asked to be offered to the Bethany United Methodist Church or to the donor's charity of choice. Arrangements are attended by the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, Honesdale, Pa.