Derwin “Doc” Reed Bates, 87, of Fremont, OH passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019 at ProMedica Memorial Hospital. He was born on June 26, 1931 in Risingsun, OH to Joseph Lester and Cleta Cleo (Thrasher) Bates. He was a 1949 graduate of Risingsun High School.
Doc worked as a Communication Supervisor for the Ohio Department of Transportation, as well as running Bates Radio & TV for many years. He had previously worked at Gellers and was in active service with the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he was posted in Puerto Rico.
Doc was a Life Member of the Fremont Elks and Eagles and a member of the Moose. He had a private pilot’s license, was an avid golfer and loved reading western novels.
Doc is survived by his wife of twenty years, Jeanne Bates, Fremont, OH; children, Vicki (Terry) Chissus, Puyallup, WA, Julie Miller, Port Clinton, OH, Joseph Bates, Chicago, IL, Jeffrey Bates, NY, NY; step children, Michael (Pamela) Clark, Charles Clark and Allen (Jody) Clark, all of Fremont, OH and Jennifer Clark, Port Charlotte, FL; brothers, Darrell Bates of Arizona, Gilbert Bates of Idaho and Myron Bates of Fremont, OH; he has grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Norman Bates; sister, Juanita Strausbaugh; son-in-law, Keith Miller.
There will be no services at this time. Doc’s family will arrange for a celebration of Doc’s life to be held in June 2019, details of which will be announced.
Memorials or contributions in Doc’s name can be made to the donor’s choice of charities.
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Charles Houdeshell
February 15, 2019 at 1:51 amMy condolences to you and your family. Doc was a good friend and he will always be remembered as fun guy. Loved playing golf with him and or group. .
Rod meyer
February 15, 2019 at 12:25 pmJeanne and family, sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. Doc was a great friend to my parents, they loved playing cards with you and Doc and love the times in Florida, golfing and the occasional beverage.
Associated Buyers Inc.
February 15, 2019 at 1:53 pmWith Deepest Sympathy
In your time of sorrow may it ease your pain to know that others are thinking of you.
Associated Buyers Employees and Their Families
Edward, Sandra and Donald L. Schultz
John and Danna Rice
February 15, 2019 at 2:56 pmJeanne, So very Sorry. We have a lot of Great memories of Doc at Brookside Bluffs. What a fun man. Prayers for the whole family.
Carol and Tom Jones
February 15, 2019 at 4:54 pmWe are so sorry for you loss Jeanne,
We will miss “Doc” so much…..we loved watching him play scrabble with Tom.. He was a great neighbor. Trooper got to know Doc and really liked watching him feed the birds. He was so kind and had a big heart…..Our prayers are with you and we know Doc. is watching over you.
John Womeldorf
February 16, 2019 at 3:29 pmSorry t o hear about our former friend and neighbor.
Evie Cain
February 16, 2019 at 6:24 pmMy deepest sympathy Jeanne
Have so many beautiful memories of good times at the Bluffs.