Daniel Bates

Rev. Daniel "Ed" Bates, 83, of Mansfield, died Monday, August 16, 2010 at his home. Born February 2, 1927 in Ramsey, Virginia, he was the son of Emmit Leroy and Lina Victoria Osborne Bates. Ed was the pastor of Country Chapel Free Will Baptist Church for 20 years. He loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A kid at heart, Ed was a Cleveland Indians fan and enjoyed spending time on his front porch.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Pastor David and Deborah Bates of Mansfield; daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Steve Schwartz of Mansfield; grandchildren, Ginger James Baldinger; April Ben Hamilton, Michael Kelly Huskey Erwin, Matthew Tara Bates, Megan Eric Davis, and Melissa Jeremiah Stout Gibbs; great-grandchildren, Austin, Tyler, Alex, Hannah, Mason, Kelsey, Alexis, Emma, Graysen, Garrett, Nathan, Marissa, Adrianne, and Emmett; brother, Claud Bates; and sisters, Marie Pleasant, Ruth Absher, and Beatrice Graham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Frances D. Dotson Bates; and three brothers, Willie, Vermont, and Junior Bates.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 19, 2010 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home conducted by Ed's son, Pastor David Bates. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Unity Free Will Baptist Church Building Fund.