Jeffrey Bates

Jeffrey Bates, age 58, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021.

Jeff was born on May 6, 1963 in Indianapolis to Shirley and Douglas Bates. He was a graduate of North Central High School in 1982 and received his bachelor's degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 1986. Jeff developed a successful career in quality control engineering, and leadership in the automotive industry and several others.

In 1983 Jeff married Deborah "Debi" Cocherell and they were together for 42 years (married 38) until Jeff’s death. He was happily married and raised two children with Debi in Indianapolis.

Jeff was a driven, kind , and generous man. It was not uncommon for Jeff and Debi to invite family members and friends to stay in their home in times of need, and for the couple to spend weekends helping out at a family member's house who needed a hand.

When Jeff was not working he was with his family. He was a loving and devoted father and husband. He was an avid gardener and landscaper. Jeff was a master of the outdoor grill. He liked to fish, work on cars, and to teach his children to play sports. He was known for having a wonderful sense of humor, and could be seen at any family gathering lighting up the room with laughter.

Jeff was loved by many people. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Hannah and Kile; his mother, Shirley; 4 siblings Gregory, Dana, Carole and Bradford; nieces and nephews Adam, Shane, Andrew, Nicholas, Daniel, Justin, and Kree; In-laws, Anthony, Randal and Stephanie.

Family and invited guests are gathering at 1:00 p.m on Saturday June 12, 2021 at Indiana Funeral Care 8151 Allisonville Rd. He will be buried in Crown Hill Cemetery following his viewing.

Jeff’s family has requested, if desired, to make donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. afsp.org/chapter/indiana 14350 Mundy Drive 800-199 Noblesville, IN 46060.