INDIANAPOLIS
Max A. Bates of Indianapolis, passed away at home on April 4, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born July 19, 1926 to Grover C. Bates and Leilia M. Bates.
Max was a 1944 graduate of Ben Davis High School. He served in the Navy during WWII and in the Army Reserves during the Korean War.
Max retired from Eli Lilly Co. in 1982 as a Senior Computer Systems Analyst Programmer. He was a Master Mason and a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. of Spencer, IN and the Greenwood Christian Church.
Max spent a lot of his free time fishing and enjoyed spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Mary Ellen (Wildridge) Bates; a son, James Bates; a daughter, Barbara Bates; a sister, Lavonne; and two brothers, Lloyd (Bud) and Robert.
He is survived by his daughter, Debe (Jack) Williams; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer Wilson, Tara Stoute, Nicole Shetterley, Jason Bryan, Trevor, Bryce and Rachel Bates; 11 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; and a brother, Don Bates of Spencer, IN.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at G. H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home at The Gardens of Olive Branch, 1605 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN.
Max will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.
In an effort to keep everyone safe and healthy, we are adhering to all the governor’s mandates. We encourage you to share your condolences, photographs and memories with the family at <a href="http://www.ghherrmann.com">www.ghherrmann.com</a>.
