COLUMBUS GROVE, Ohio – Richard S. Bates, 57, died Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, near Columbus Grove. He was born July 4, 1963, in Bluffton, to Leon and Mary (Hall) Bates.
Richard attended and was a graduate of Bluffton High School. He also attended Apollo as part of his high school education. He next attended Terra Tech, near Fremont. Richard was a skilled electrician but soon found his specialty as a welder. He made forms for contractors to pour concrete bridge forms, some of which spanned over 200 feet in length.
He enjoyed playing golf and watching major golf tournaments on TV, along with NASCAR racing. His favorite driver was Rusty Wallace.
On March 22, 1997, he married Betsy Warren, who died on Feb. 16, 2018.
Richard is survived by two step-daughters; Stephanie (Ryan) Ricker and Jessica Smith; and four grandchildren, Logan Snyder, Wyatt Hoar, and Mckayla and Morgan Ricker.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and step-father, James Grant.
Services will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Sugar Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Lima.
Friends may call from 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home in Columbus Grove.
