Thomas Eugene Bates, 86, passed away on Wednesday evening, September 1, 2021, at Van Wert Health.

He was born on October 22, 1934 in Van Wert to the late Ray Bates, Sr. and Jennie Ellen (Potts) Bates. On March 7, 1959, he married Barbara E. (Sheets) Bates who survives. Along with Barbara three children survive, Timothy (Elaine) Bates of Burns Harbor, Indiana, Jeffrey (Michelle) Bates of Van Wert and Susan Kientz of Van Wert; eight grandchildren, Thaddeus, Elias, Chelsea, Whitney, Samuel, Karri, J.C., Molly; fourteen great grandchildren, Harper, Tucker, Breckin, Brynn, Amidy, Ayden, Zayden, Journee, Jaxson, Violet, Scarlet Belle, Ellie, Mason and Aniyah; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son Jonathan; two sisters, Helen Louise Censullo and Mary Evelyn Tierney; two brothers, Terry L. Bates and Ray Bates, Jr.; and a granddaughter, Hannah Ellen Bates. Tom was a 1952 graduate of Van Wert High School and a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Seabees and retired from Kennedy Manufacturing.

Services will be conducted at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home Van Wert with Pastor Chris Farmer officiating. Calling hours are 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday also at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.