Wayne Bates

Wayne Dale Bates age 76, of Summerfield, OH passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at his home. He was born April 20, 1949 in Caldwell, OH son of Alwilda Irene Sorg Bernhardt of Florida and the late Ronald Wayne Bates.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Dedicated to honoring his fellow servicemen and women, he spent many years coordinating Veteran Color Guard Services to ensure they received the recognition they deserved. He was a proud member of the Belle Valley American Legion Post 641 and the Belle Valley American Legion Riders Post 641, as well as the IBEW Local 71 and the Belle Valley American Legion Radio Club.

Known by many through his CB and Ham Radio handle “Razzberry,” Wayne found great joy in connecting with others over the airwaves. Above all, he cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved sharing his passion for radios with them and could often be found playing cards and creating memories they will always treasure.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his brother Danny L. Bates; cousin Tom Sorg, and uncle Darrel Sorg.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Connie L. McDonald Bates, whom he married April 27, 2013; daughter Kelly (Bryan) Bilger and their children Nathan, Hanna, and Jacqueline; daughter Kendra (Chad) McGee of Texas their children Katy McGee (Justyn) Williams, Kizer and Colson McGee; great-grandsons Kash Williams and Knox Williams; daughter Tasha Glidden and her children Kassidy Glidden and Link Givens; daughter Kayla Bates and her children Austin Bates, Honey West and Jaxton Belmont; son Cody (Beth) Bates of Tennessee and their children Silas and Ezra Bates; son Trevor Bates of Caldwell and his children Peyton and Jace; daughter Trista Bates of New Concord, OH; stepchildren Joshua (Rebecca) Belcher of Cumberland, OH and Samantha Mullins of Cambridge, OH; grandchildren Bentley, Wyatt, Mason, and Bodie Belcher, Daniel, Zackery, and Addilynn Mullins; four sisters Beverly (Bob) Hamel of Middletown, OH, Becky (Tim) Rine of Montgomery, AL, Brenda (Jake) Wells of Caldwell, and Betsy (Kevin) Williams of Summerfield, OH. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends for visitation Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A funeral service will be held Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Paul Reynolds officiating. He will be transported to Eastern Cemetery for burial in his truck one last time, with the American Legion Riders leading the procession. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. Join us in remembering Wayne by visiting his memorial at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net