Charles T. Bate

Charles T. Bate, 93, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on January 15, 2026. He was born on November 14, 1932, in Muncie, Indiana, to parents, Thomas E. Bate and Vina Florence (Jackson) Bate.

Charles graduated from Butler University in 1955 and Indiana University Law School in 1962. He was a Trustee Emeritus at Anderson University, Trustee at Warner Pacific College, and founding member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. His other accomplishments and recognitions are too many to mention. His greatest love of lawyering was helping others through their toughest times.

He was extremely active in the Church of God movement. He helped form and start many churches and programs throughout his life. Even after retirement, he started the Stephen Ministry and was an Elder at the Church at the Crossing where he started a bereavement program and also taught Kindergarten.

His greatest love was for his wife, Barbara, of 70 plus years of marriage. He always talked about what a blessing it was to have such a wife. "Together Forever."

He was most proud of being a son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. These are the things he cherished.

He had a motto to live by. It was HIDTWIC, "Have I done today what I could." He always did.

His favorite song was "It Is Well With My Soul."

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Kay (Dailey) Bate; sons, Charles "Chuck" (Karen) Bate, Gregory (Cheri) Bate, and Jeffrey (Leslie) Bate; grandchildren, Ashley, Danielle, Tyler, Joshua, Samuel, Taylor, Haley and Grace. He also had nine (9) great-grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life in the future.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to The Church at the Crossing – 9111 Haverstick Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46240.