Michael Edward Bates

Mike was born July 13, 1966 in La Grange, Kentucky. As a toddler, Mike refused to walk until his mom gave him the choice of walking or getting the fly swatter. Mike chose to walk, but this was clearly an early sign of the patient fisherman Mike would be someday. Mike was such a talented fisherman that one of his largest catches was a 75 pounder when he was 8 years old. It just so happened that upon casting he hooked himself and required a trip to the ER, but still an amazing catch indeed. Mike would fish with anybody he could talk into going with him, and as such forged many fishing buddies over the years.

In 5th grade Mike won the softball Championship on an all girl’s team. The girl’s team did not have enough players and Mike was kind enough to volunteer to fill the spot. Mike was a truck driver by trade, enjoyed being outdoors, and had a great distaste for group texts.

Mike was also a devoted father who loved dancing with his daughter Elly to Lynrd Skynrd and building snowmen every winter. Mike's life journey forged lots of laughter and generosity. He was known to give anyone the shirt off his back and say “life is good” to the smallest of blessings.

Mike leaves behind a daughter he was very proud of Elizabeth “Elly” Jean Bates; mother Mary Bates, sister Christine; sister and brother-in-law Andy and Albert Morriss; sister and brother-in-law Mary Beth and Sean Silvernagel; brother and sister-in-law Robert Daniel "Dan" and Aimee Bates; nieces and nephews Scott, Douglas Rice, Albert Morriss, Heather Morriss, Ashley Benningfield, Avery, Alex, and Evan Silvernagel, Maddox Bates; great nieces and nephews, Josephine, Conner, and Tanner, Kaydee Straw, and Colton McAtee; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Mike is preceded in death by his father Bob Bates and niece Nicole Morris.

A Celebration Of Life for Michael will be held Saturday July, 13 2024 at the Brownsboro Community center, 7701 Hwy 329, Crestwood, KY at 2:00pm.