Edward Bates

Edward Bates WEST BRIDGEWATER Edward Reid Bates, 89, died Sunday, June 21, after a period of failing health. He was the beloved husband of Beverly L. (Jones) Bates and the late Helen (Leach) Bates. Born and raised in Whitman, he was a son of the late Edward K. and Beatrice M. (Reid) Bates and a graduate of Whitman High School, Class of 1937. Ed was a World War II veteran having served in the 813th Signal Service Company, of the U.S. Army Infantry, in Italy and Africa, from 1943 to 1946. Always a hard worker, he owned several business, including a distribution service for Keebler cookies. He retired from his marketing career as an insurance salesman for John Hancock Insurance. He was a resident of North Dighton before moving to West Bridgewater four years ago, where he had been an active member of the West Bridgewater Baptist Church for more than 20 years. He had enjoyed wintering in Brooksville, Fla. As a family, he led them on many camping adventures, and after his retirement, he loved traveling through out the country in his RV. He spent many enjoyable hours walking the beach with his metal detector and discovering many treasures. He loved playing the organ for family and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his five children, Edward K. Bates and his wife Kathy of Delaware, Kenneth R. Bates and his wife Mary of Haverhill, Linda Gavin and her husband Larry of Colorado, Paula B. Smith and her husband Dale of South Carolina and Marcia J. Allen and her husband Jim of Barre; his stepchildren, Marcia Audyatis and her husband Tim of Raynham, Cathy Fraser and her husband Rob of Raynham, Pamela McGoodwin of Bridgewater, Kimberly Desley of Raynham and Brian Garrison of Wareham; his brother, Roger Bates of Washington. He is also survived by nine grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; 19 step great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late ODessa Biladeau. His service will be held Thursday, June 25, at 11 a.m., in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 at the rotary), Whitman. Burial will follow in the Colebrook Cemetery, Whitman. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 5-8 p.m. Donations in his name may be made to Old Colony Hospice, One Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA 02368. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com.