Charles Nathaniel "Nate" Bates

Charles Nathienal “Nate” Bates of Banning, California, was 84; When he departed from his earthly life at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday December 31, 2021.He was born August 18, 1937 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Daniel and Emma Bates. 

Charles graduated from Central High School in 1956. He played basketball and was known by his teammates as “Little Nate”.  In the mid-1950's while attending Central High School, he played against Oscar Robertson and Crispus Attucks. In 1955, Jet Magazine reported on the game that 15,000 people attended at Butler Fieldhouse. He also ran track and cross-country, and later attended college. 

He became a veteran of the United States Marines; and in the 1960’s was married to the love of his life, Callie Bates. The two remained friends in the later years. Charles was a family man who was appreciated by those who truly loved him. 

In his lifetime, he worked as a TV repairman, and for International Harvester. In his free time, he enjoyed boxing, watching, and playing basketball. He also enjoyed listening to music, playing the guitar, and teaching his sons how to play guitar. He enjoyed singing and dancing, and has won quite a few dance competitions. 

Charles was a loving, protective, and devoted father to his children. He set the bar high. He was known for his sense of humor and loved telling jokes. He was a self-made man of many talents; was well known in his community for his smarts, leadership skills, and mentoring. He had a noble carriage and was well dressed. When you asked Nate how he was doing he would say  “It’s just another day”. 

In his later years he enjoyed keeping contact with his friends and family on Facebook 

Charles is survived by his children: Vincent, Layonne, Vyanna, Vonda, and Shandra Bates of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Nathan and Johnathan Bates of Banning, California. Tahisha (Dez) Wade, of Richmond, Texas. Deidra (Wade) Raines, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Rev. Gary A. Griffin Bates of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Jamaica Simmons of Cummings, Georgia. God-son Tyland Simmons of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Paul Bates Smith and Lynn Patterson of Bluffton, Indiana. 

Charles is the last born of five boys, he was proceeded in death by his four brothers. Homer Bright, Johnny Bright, Alfred Bates and Milton Bates. Great granddaughter LeAsia Smith, daughter Dawn Renee Hambrick, and grandson Joshua Hambrick. Great grandson Bryson Patterson. 

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