Leland Ross Bates

Leland "Ross" Bates age 88, passed away on April 7, 2022 at Select Specialty, in Newark. He was born on June 16, 1933 to the late Stanely and Ila (Bowman) Bates. He was a proud US Air Force Veteran having served from 1951 to 1955 as an Aircraft Mechanic. On May 20, 1954, he married Donna (Shearn) Bates, who survives. After his service in the Airforce, Ross continued his work in maintenance at General Electric, until his retirement. In his younger years, he was a devoted stock car racer. He was well known in the racing community as he was very successful. After his racing career, his love for fixing and building equipment transitioned into tractors. He built and restored several tractors and took them to tractors shows all over the region. His most recent and most proud project was restoring a 1941 Jeep with his son. Ross also enjoyed fishing and hunting and having visitors in his garage. He was also member of the AMVETS and enjoyed their company.

Ross was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Along with his wife, surviving are his children, Pam (Keith) Matz of Coshocton, Stan (Marilyn) Bates of West Lafayette and Ronald (Candy) Bates of Conesville; grandchildren, Alyssa (Nick) Blair, Kaitlyn (Josh) Saylor, Andrea (Josh) Walsh, Kristan (Dustin) Shroyer, Harmony Bates, Ronnie Bates, Brent Bates, Amanda (Jeff) Baker, Beth (Chad) Cramer, Derric Matz, Megan Matz and Brandon Matz; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild as well as his brothers, Loren (Marilyn) Bates and Floyd Bates.

Along with his parents, preceding him in death are his son, Donald Ross Bates and siblings, Lawrence Bates and Doris Green.

Calling hours will be at the Miller Funeral Home on Monday, April 11, 2022 from 11am to 1pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 1pm with Pastor Tim Hatfield officiating. The burial will follow at Fairfield Cemetery.