Richard A. "Dick" Bates Obituary

Services

Visitation: Thrursday, June 11 at 10 AM at Green Camp United Methodist Church (205 Broadway St, Green Camp, OH 43322)

Funeral: Thrursday, June 11 at 12 PM at Green Camp United Methodist Church (205 Broadway St, Green Camp, OH 43322)

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Obituary

Richard A. “Dick” Bates, 83 of Marion, died Tuesday May 12, 2026 at the Marion General Hospital.

He was born April 19, 1943 in Marion to the late G. William and Ruth E. (Millisor) Bates. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Bill (Sandra) Bates and Phyllis Bish.

Dick was a 1961 graduate of the Green Camp High School. He was veteran of the United States Army.

He dedicated 36 years of service as a lineman and line foreman with Ohio Edison, where he formed lifelong friendships with coworkers who became like family. Their bond remained strong through the years, and many stayed by his side until the end, visiting him regularly even after he was no longer able to enjoy their longtime traditions of breakfast gatherings and card games.

He rarely missed his kid’s school events and spent countless hours volunteering with the Elgin Athletic Boosters and supporting the girls’ basketball program even after his own children were grown. A talented athlete himself, he was a unanimous All-County basketball player at Green Camp High School and scored more than 1,000 career points—an accomplishment he carried with quiet humility.

He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with close friends, his son Mark, and his brother Bill. Those trips produced many cherished memories, plenty of stories, and fish to bring home.

Together, Dick and his wife Barb spent many happy years camping with family and friends. Their love of travel led them to all 50 states and on numerous cruises, with Dick especially enjoying river cruises and the journey through the Panama Canal.

He also treasured his winters in Florida, where he spent his time golfing and fishing. Dick loved entertaining and was happiest when hosting neighbors and friends for cookouts, dinners, and cocktails. He also enjoyed dining out with friends and took great pleasure in sharing his favorite local spots with those who came to visit.

He was surrounded by lots of friends and had the ability to make people laugh in almost any situation.

In quieter moments, he enjoyed reading and spending time on his iPad.

Above all, he was devoted to his family. He was especially proud of his granddaughters, Meredith and Evelyn, and loved hearing about their accomplishments, playing board games with them, and taking them out for breakfast or lunch.

He will be remembered for his friendship, sense of humor, and deep love for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving is his wife, Barbara J. (Hedges) Bates of Marion. Their children, Amy Bates of Davenport, Florida and Mark (Elizabeth) Bates of Marietta, Georgia.

Grandchildren, Meredith and Evelyn Bates

Memorial services will be held Thursday June 11, 2026 at 12:00 noon at the Green Camp United Methodist Church. Family friend, Pastor Jerry Kalb will officiate. Friends may call two hours prior at the church in Green Camp. Private burial will take place in the Marion Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com