Ed Bates

Ed Bates, 75, of Columbus, died at 7:20 a.m. on June 1, 2026 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Ed was born in Hartley, Kentucky on February 3, 1951, the son of Daniel and Lavasta (Tackett) Bates. He married Betty Douglas on August 28, 1999.

Ed was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family throughout his life. He worked at Golden Casting where he was known as Julio, Devening Block, and later retired from Enkei of America in 2022 and from BCSC in 2023. He was a member of Columbus General Baptist.

Ed loved spending time outdoors and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His whole world was dedicated to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, camping, working in the yard, and being around horses with family and enjoyed KB Bologna. A devoted Kentucky Wildcats fan, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on his team. He loved country music and was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley.

Some of his happiest moments were spent with family, especially during Christmas gatherings, and holiday celebrations where he spent many years playing Santa Claus for the community. Halloween was another favorite time of year, as he enjoyed watching children dressed in their costumes and sharing in their excitement and fun. Above all, Ed treasured time spent with family and friends including a special friend Carol Mathis, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

A Life Celebration for Ed will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the funeral home with Jay Edwards officiating. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Ed is survived by his wife, Betty Bates; children, Tony (Shelli) Bates, Jennifer (Carrie Hoover) Bates, Darla (Brian) Peek, Steven (Katie) Douglas, and Crystal (Ernie) Money; brothers, Daniel Bates, Ernest Dale Bates, and Junior Bates; sisters, Judy (Robie) Beverly and Sue (Leo) Hampton, sisters-in-law, Sue Bates, Ivory Bates, Bernice Bates; grandchildren, Nikki (Joe) Kimbley, Jayden (Madysin) Peek, Hunter (Kendall) Price, Kristi (Hunter) Price, Misti (Caleb) Price, Andrew Douglas, Sophia and Sebastian Weil, and Alayana Hampton; great grandchildren, Everleigh and Zaylen Garcia and Easton Rodriguez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Lavasta Bates, brothers, Arnold Bates, Raymond Bates and Reginald Bates as well as sisters-in-law, Mary Sue Bates and Madge Bates

Services were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory. You are invited to light a candle or send a message to his family.