William L. Bates

William L. Bates, 63, of Grover Hill, died at 4 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2016, from injuries received in a vehicle accident on State Route 114 in Paulding County.

He was born July 15, 1952, in Adams County, Indiana, the son of Glen E. and Annis K. (Marbaugh) Bates, who both preceded him in death. On November 17, 2001, he married the former Rhonda Miller, who survives.

Other survivors include his four children, Brandon L. (Alicia) Bates of Adams County, Indiana, Brenden N. (Marci) Bates of Willshire, Jessica L. Bates of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Joshua A. (Kimberly) Bates of Van Wert; a sister, Donna Jean Williamson of Willshire; 12 grandchildren, Sean Mendez, Halle Beougher, Hunter Bates, Bailey Bates, Parker Bates, Bo Bates, Kaiden Bates, Devin Hairston, Aliviah Bates, Ben Bates, Mya Hairston, and Owen Bates; his father- and mother-in-law, Lonnie and Sue Miller of Grover Hill; two brothers-in-law, Tim (Jackie) Miller of Fort Jennings and Tony (Staci) Miller of Grover Hill; and a sister-in-law, Nancy (Wade) Carnes of Celina.

A brother, Donald E. Bates also preceded him in death.

Bill was a 1970 graduate of Parkway High School. He retired from Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne and trained harness horses. He was a member of the Van Wert County Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Mercer County Harness Horsemen’s Association, and the United States Trotting Association. He had been a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Bill enjoyed the outdoors, but his family was his life — especially sharing sporting events with his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 29, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Rex Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Middle Creek Cemetery near Grover Hill.

Visitation is from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, April 28, and an hour prior to services Friday on Friday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Willshire Youth Activities.