Date of death: 5/2/2008
Saint Meinrad Class: SPH 1960
Joseph Richard Bates 64, of Indianapolis, died in Veteran’s Hospital. He was born November 23, 1943 and was one of fifteen children born to Leonard and Margaret Bates. Joe attended St. Patrick grade school and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. He attended Saint Meinrad Seminary (Placid Hall) for two years. He served in Vietnam during his stint in the service. On his return from service Joe worked as a construction worker with his brother, Paul. He is preceded in death by parents; his brothers, Leonard, Michael, Gerald, Paul, Patrick, and Daniel; and his sister, Sr. Mary Margaret, SP. He is survived by Marie Taylor, companion; his sisters, Dolores Clarke, Dorothy Carson, Elizabeth Price, Catherine Souter, Bernadette and Theresa Bates; his brother, Robert Bates; 44 nieces and nephews; 104 great nieces and nephews; and two great great nieces and nephews. Please send donations to St. Patrick Church or Disabled Veterans in lieu of flowers. The Bates family wishes to express their sincerest thank you to Veterans Hospital, who treated Joe with such dignity during his stay, and to Dr. Michael Johansen, who served both Joe and his family with the greatest of kindness, care, respect and professionalism.Information obtained from the Indianapolis Star online, www.indystar.com, on 5/5/08.