Ed Bates, 68

Edward A. Bates, 68, of Marcellus, passed away Monday morning, July 22, 2013 in his home following a long illness.

He was born Feb. 9, 1945 in Centreville, the son of Ellery A. and Maycel G. (Wilson) Bates. On Dec. 6, 1975 in Three Rivers he married Constance R. Avila who survives.

Ed graduated from Marcellus High School in 1963. He lived in and around Marcellus all his life and was a retiree from Verizon (General Telephone) after about 47 years of service.

Surviving besides his wife, Connie, are two sons, John E. Bates of Lansing, Anthony E. (Jenn) Bates along with two grandchildren, Zion and Grace of Los Angeles, Calif., and one daughter, Rebecca (Aaron) Sanders of Deadwood, S.D.

The family will receive friends and family from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 26, in the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home, Marcellus. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, July 27, in the funeral home with Pastor John Messner of the Marcellus United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Shavehead Lake Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the “Church Camp Fund” of the Marcellus United Methodist Church or the National Emphysema Foundation.