Junior D. Bates, 92, longtime resident of Marion, passed away at 4:17 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Twin City Healthcare in Gas City. He was born in Bee Branch, Arkansas, to Dude and Elizabeth (Grisom) Bates. He married Verline Townsel, and she preceded him in death on July 12, 2003.
Junior served in the United States Navy during the end of WWII (1944-1945) and had achieved the rank of Apprentice Seaman. He worked in the sealing department at RCA Electronics in Marion, and retired after 34 years of service. He was a member of the Amvets and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. Junior also liked running his hound dogs at night with his friends.
Junior is survived by two daughters, Freda Mae (Ron) Stambaugh, Waterloo and Connie Faye (Donald) Guthrie, Marion; grandchildren, Frances Compo, Angela Stambaugh, Leslie K. Lewis, Sue Ann Winn and Gary Guthrie; great-grandchildren, David, Mclinda, Chad, Christina, Alexis, Hunter, Javelin, Jenny Ann, Josh and Brandon; 11 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth, Joyce, Geneva and Mary Sue; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his coffee shop buddies.
In addition to his parents, Junior was preceded in death by his loving wife, Verline (Townsel) Bates; a grandson, Timothy Derriel Stambaugh; 2 sisters and 5 brothers.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service-North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46953. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Grant Memorial Park in Marion.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.