Walter Franklin Bates, Jr.

Walter Franklin Bates, Jr. passed away September 26, 2018 in Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana at age 75. Walter was born in Terre Haute on November 15, 1942 to Walter Franklin Bates, Sr. and Margaret Louise (Page) Bates.

Surviving are his son, Franklin Gene Bates; his daughter, Lisa Dawn (Bates) Wyrick and her husband, John R. Wyrick, Jr.; his four granddaughters, Ashley Sloane Phelps and her husband, Josh, Nikki Fallon Wyrick, Genevieve Margaret Bates, and Alexandra Page Bates; his great grandson, Dillon Michael Phelps; and his great granddaughter, Harper Rae Phelps. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Dolores (Lyons) Nicholson and her husband, Wayne; his brother-in-law, George Lyons and his wife, Donna; his nephew, Jeff Nicholson; his three nieces, Jill (Nicholson) Camp, Michelle Lyons, and Paula (Lyons) Larkey; and several cousins.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean (Lyons) Bates; his parents; and his stepfather, Bill Bensyl.

Walter and Barbara met in Fort Myers, Florida and were married on Christmas Day. They then resided in Youngstown, where they raised their children on the Bates Family Farm. After their children were out of school they moved to Florida, where Walter retired as a Lieutenant with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department in 2008. After retirement, Walter and Barbara purchased a second residence back in Terre Haute to spend the summer months near their family.

Walter was a member of the Zorah Shrine and spent many years in the Zorah Oriental Band in Terre Haute. He was an avid supporter of 4-Her’s and an active member of Farmer’s Chapel Church. Walter was a member of the Honey Creek Volunteer Department and also drove a school bus for the Vigo County School Corporation.

There will be a Gathering of Friends and Family held in Walter’s memory at Farmer’s Chapel Church, 9213 South Sullivan Place, Terre Haute, Indiana 47802 on November 17, 2018 from 12:30-3:30 p.m., with a Celebration of Life ceremony at 3:00 p.m. Please email ldwyrick0765@gmail.com if more information is needed. Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd Street, West Terre Haute, Indiana 47885 was entrusted with care and arrangements. Please share a memory or condolence at: www.fitzpatrickfunerals.com.