Raymond W. Bates

Raymond “Ray” W. Bates, 81, of Evansville, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2011, at Parkview Care Center. He was born October 5, 1929, in Detroit, MI to Raymond R. and Oleafa (Schweickhart) Bates. He graduated from Reitz High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves. He owned and operated Ray’s Marathon Service on Fulton Avenue, next to Kent Plastics, for many years. He also worked at Sunbeam Bakery, Vanco Beverage, and retired from Central Beverage in 1992. Ray was a long time member of The American Legion, Twin Towers, and River Bend Association. Ray loved the outdoors. He was an expert marksman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with lifelong friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Ray is survived by his son, Michael Ray (Kim) Bates; two grandchildren, Carissa and Cameron Bates, all of Shreveport, LA; sisters, Delores Decker and Virginia (Joe) Wyatt, all of Evansville; brother, John (Pat) Bates of Fairview, TN; nieces and nephews; long-time companion, Ren Hester, and her family, Brenda Nash, Pam (Tim) Attebury, Ron (Judy) Hester; and Ren’s grandchildren and great-grandchild. Ray requested no public visitation or service. The family would like to thank Dr. Steed Jackson and the staff at Parkview Care Center for the loving care they provided. Special thanks are given to Ren Hester and family for the many years of love and care they extended to Ray. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkview Care Center Activities Dept., 2819 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Evansville, IN 47720, or to The American Legion Funkhouser Post #8 “Special Donations Fund,” 6001 New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47720.