William Howard "Bill" Bates

William Howard “Bill” Bates, 70, Kokomo, made his final journey at 6:05 pm Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the home of his sister in Kokomo.  He was born October 28, 1955, in Kokomo, the son of the late D.L. and Joanne (Woolum) Bates.

Bill was a 1974 graduate of Haworth High School.  He was a long-distance semi-truck driver for many years.  He served our country in the United States Marine Corp.  Bill loved to fish, hunt, and ride his Harley Davidson.

Bill is survived by his three children, April (Rob) Thomas, Billie Jo (Aaron) Watson and William Bates; brother, Dewey Bates; sister, Nancy (Jeff) Peterson; grandchildren, Paul, Isaiah and Hunter Watson; along with nieces, nephews and great nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Chuck Bates; both sets of his grandparents; a nephew, Little Dee Bates; and special cousin, Randy Bates.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm Monday, April 27, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 pm until time of service on Monday at the funeral home. 

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