Jerry Dean Bates

Jerry Dean Bates, 67, of Ridgeville, IN, passed away January 11, 2025 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born February 26, 1957 in Winchester, IN, to Kermit and Oma (Ison) Bates.

He was a retired process engineer at Reliance Machinery in Muncie, IN for over 40 years. He was a proud Grandpa to 7 grandchildren and a soon to be Great Grandpa. Jerry was an avid bowler for many years, even bowling with his children in a league when they were younger to share his love of the sport with his family. He loved basketball, motorcycles, and old cars and could often be found at auctions and old cars shows. Aside from his children and grandchildren, his greatest love was going to demolition derbies, watching a good Nascar race, working on his cars, or taking his motorcycle for a ride. He was born and raised an Old Regular Baptist.

Jerry was a great teacher to his family and friends. He showed what good work ethic really was and passed this trait on to his children and grandchildren. His stories and successes in life will be passed down through the generations in a continuous tribute to the amazing father, grandfather, and person he truly was. And his lessons will be forever remembered…. Even if at times, we were only allowed to hold the flashlight.

Jerry is survived by his sister, Sharon Keys, Winchester, IN, his children, Jeremy Bates (wife, Sarah), Winchester IN, Melissa Wilson (husband, Ryan Wilson), Sheridan, OR, and Chalvis Bates, Saratoga, IN, his nephew Nick Keys, Winchester, IN, his niece, Paula Polei (husband, Rick). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jeremiah Bates (Jeremy Bates), and Brayden, Lillian, Madison, Nolan, and Haleigh Wilson (Melissa Wilson), great nephews Dylan and Layne Polei (Paula), and a great grandchild due in July 2025. He was also survived by his beloved dog, Bentley, who gave him great comfort and joy for the short time he had with him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kermit Bates, mother, Oma Bates, and one unborn grandchild.

Services for Jerry will be at 2 pm, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home in Winchester, IN.

Friends and family may call from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the funeral home.

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