Phillip Donald Ates - Obituary

hillip Donald Ates, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 18, 2026. “Phil” was a longtime Prince George’s County resident who was involved in local, State, and National politics. He recently resided at the Baywoods of Annapolis Retirement Community. Phil was a graduate of Suitland HS, class of 1957. He enjoyed golf, fishing, gardening, and traveling; including many golf trips with friends. He was a lifelong Redskins, Nationals, and Terps Fan, and attended many ACC and NCAA Basketball tournaments. Summers were spent at Breezy Point Beach cottage with the highlights of many 4th of July celebrations and cookouts. Phil enjoyed dancing, especially with his favorite partner Tish. He was devoted to his family for whom he was called “Pop” by his grandchildren, and had many close friends from every stage of his life. Phil was a member of the Army National Guard, a retired State Farm Insurance Agent (President of the National Association of State Farm Agents), a longtime Terrapin Club Member (50+ years), former President and Coach of the Lanham Boys and Girls Club, and former President of St. Matthias Parents Club. Phil was predeceased by his beloved wife of 47 years, Patricia (Tish) Ates. Survived by his children Robin (Earle) Kirkley, Dana (Neil) McAnney, James Randall “Randy” (Julie) Ates, and Laura (Mike) Pautler, including 12 grandchildren,10 great-grandchildren, his sisters Anne (Bobby) Drescher and Linda (Marty) Moran, many nieces and nephews, and longtime companion, Wilma Richards. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Phillip’s life on Saturday, January 31 from 1 to 3 PM at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road Edgewater, MD 21037, where a second visitation will be held on Sunday, February 1 from 11 AM until his funeral service begins at 12 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels and Towers or American Heart Association Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.