Monti D. Bates, 58, of New Athens, Illinois, born July 31, 1967 in Alton, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at his residence.

Monti, along with his wife, Chelsea, own and operate Bates Construction Company in Smithton, Illinois. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He loved to build houses and other buildings. He worked in construction for over 40 years. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Morris; his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Frances Gunderman; and his paternal grandparents, Lester and Melvina Morris.

Surviving are his loving wife, Chelsea Bates, nee Bulinski; his children, Loren (Chris) Shrope, Jakob Bates, Chaz Bates, Chayanne Bates, and Cecilia Bates; his mother, Linda Miller; two sisters, Trudy (Dave Shea) Norman, and Susan Louis; his mother-in-law, Charlotte (Marc) Flemister; two granddaughters, Sasha and Willow Shrope; and three nieces, Jessica Norman, Taylor Bray, and Emma Underwood. He was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

In following Monti's wishes a private cremation was to be held.  A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois. A Memorial Service will follow at 7:00 p.m.