Edward R. Bates, 95 of Ashland passed from this life on Monday, October 26, 2026, at JAG Healthcare in Shelby, Ohio.
Ed was born on March 8, 1931, in Nankin, Ohio, the son of the late Harry and Audrey (nee Eddington) Bates. He has been a resident of Ashland County all of his life.
Ed was a 1948 graduate of Ashland High School and served in the United States Air Force from 1954 until 1957.
Ed met and married the former Laura Miller on August 24, 1954. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage before Laura’s passing on June 1, 2015.
Ed spent his working life as an agent with Western-Southern Life Insurance Company. Ed and Laura’s home was always open to anyone and everyone. In the summer, Ed and Shorty’s pool was always full. At mealtime, everyone was welcome. So many wonderful memories were made at the house on the hill north of Nankin.
He is survived by two sons, Mike (Trudy) Bates and David (Lida) Bates, both of Ashland; daughter, Jane Bunn of Ashland; son-in-law, Cliff Watson of Greenwich; seven grandchildren, Josh (Jennifer) Bates, Anthony (Michelle) Bunt, Kristin (Robert) Stover, Megan (Richard) Harper, Misty (Tony) Simmons, Kaley (Steven) Wickham, all of Ashland; numerous great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; honorary son, Suki Kudo of Columbus, Ohio; and one brother, Dean Bates of Ashland.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ed is preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Watson; stepmother, Dorothy Bates; his brothers, Paul, Richard, and Kenneth; and an infant sister, Dorothy.
An interment service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the Nankin Cemetery with Trudy Bates, daughter-in-law presiding. Full military honors will be conducted by the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cat Feline Sanctuary, 1130 E. Main Street #136, Ashland, OH 44805.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to handle the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com