Charles "Chuck" Ernest Bates

Indianapolis – Charles (Chuck) Ernest Bates, 62, died peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Allisonville Meadows Hospice Center in Fishers, following a heart attack suffered on March 15, 2020.

He leaves his daughter, Julie (Bates) Beach and her husband, William Beach; his four sons, Mark Bates, Jason Bates and his wife Sara (Fuller) Bates, Scott Bates, and Jacob Bates; and four grandchildren, Amber Davenport, Haleigh Bates, Nolan Bates and Hudson Bates.

Chuck was born and raised in Indianapolis, the son of Chaplin Paul Bates and Jean (Huff) Bates; brother Ronald Bates and sister Jean Ann (Bates) Henson.

Chuck spent his early childhood living in downtown Indianapolis and his teenage years living in Lawrence, attending Lawrence Central High School. On May 3, 1975, he married his high school sweetheart, Denise (Perry) Praul with whom he had his first three children (Julie, Mark, and Jason). He later married Tonya (Womock) Matherly on August 11, 1984, with whom he had two more sons (Scott and Jacob).

Chuck was a master plumber and worked for the family business, Bates & Son Plumbing, for more than 30 years. He was an avid bass fisherman and enjoyed spending time at Patoka Lake with friends and family. He also enjoyed collecting guns and knives and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Over the past several years, he lived in Lawrence where he had many friends.

Chuck will be always remembered by this family and friends.

A private service will he held for friends and family this summer.