Scott Evan Bates
25 Post Condolences
Scott Evan Bates of Ithaca, Michigan passed away on December 12, 2017. He was born on May 19, 1958 to Gene and Lois Bates. Scott married Susan Riedel on September 3, 1977. He was the proud father of Benjamin and Angela Bates and more recently became grandpa to Carter and Logan Bates.
Scott was a farm boy through and through. He grew up on a farm and loved working the land his entire life. In 2015 Scott bought his family’s farm located in Newark Township, which had been designated a Centennial farm in 2005. In addition to farming with his father for many years, Scott helped many Ithaca area farmers during planting and harvesting seasons and could be seen combining corn or hauling beets on many long nights. Scott was also passionate about tractors, especially antiques, and was a long-time member of the Mid-Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association (MMOGTA) and the Ithaca ATractive Tractor Club. He enjoyed attending auctions searching for tractor parts to tinker with and use which also explained his fascination with the TV show “American Pickers” that he and Sue enjoyed watching together.
Even before he began refurbishing, showing, and pulling tractors Scott was involved with everything cars. As a teenager he bought and painted cars and worked on engines. After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1976, he was employed by Hall Auto, Nevins Auto Parts, and Cooper Chevrolet and spent the last 29 years working at Anchor Danly. To say that Scott enjoyed NASCAR was an understatement. Whether it was truck or car racing, Scott watched every race live or recorded them if he was farming.
Scott always looked forward to fishing with family and friends in the summer and winter. A friends and family men’s fishing trip in May to Drummond Island was an annual event. He was also an avid hunter taking vacation time from work for deer season like many outdoorsmen.
Scott is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan (Riedel) Bates, son and daughter-in-law Ben and Tracey Bates and grandsons Carter and Logan of Ithaca, daughter Angela Bates of Cincinnati, brother Dave (Laura) Bates of Ithaca, and sister Lorie Bates of Roscommon.
Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday, at Barden Funeral Home with funeral service also at Barden’s on Sunday, December 17 at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Ithaca Cemetery, a luncheon will follow at the Ithaca United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.
Reader Comments (25)
Mindy & Zellie Hoard
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Carol and Dick Merchant
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry Scott has left us so soon. You are in my prayers.
I’m here if you need anything at all.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Scott’s passing. Bless you ❤️🌹
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Scott was a great neighbor when we were growing up, never got after us for tearing up and down the road. He will be missed by all. God bless you and your family.
Chuck & Betty Wakefield
I was sorry to hear the news about your father. I learned a lot about your Dad today, from your Uncle Dave. I'm certain he'll be missed by you and your family - please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Charles