Thomas P. Bates, 73, Gas City, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Marion General Hospital. He was born in Monticello, Kentucky, on Wednesday, June 30, 1948, to Jim and Daisy (Melton) Bates. On March 30, 1987, he married Sherida L. Brown, and she survives.
Thomas attended high school in Wayne Co. Kentucky and worked at General Motors for 37 years. He was a member and past Master of the Masonic Lodge of Converse Lodge #601. He attended Friendship Baptist Church and he played guitar for many years with One Way Heaven Bound.
Survivors include his wife, Sherida L. Bates of Gas City; daughter, Peggy Benton of Little Rock, AK; brother, Danny Bates of KY; sisters, Mary Upchurch of KY, Thelma Lovell of KY, and Edith Wesley of Muncie; step-son, David Burtner of FL; 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Daisy Bates; as well as his step-son, Mark McClure.
A graveside service to honor Thomas’ life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Riverside Cemetery in Gas City with Pastor Bruce Koontz officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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