Edward "Bay" Ates

Funeral services for Edward "Bay" Ates, 70, of Bernice, LA will be 2:00 PM Friday, December 13, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA. Officiating the service will be Rev. Michael Brandon. Interment will follow in Choudrant Memorial Cemetery in Choudrant, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
A visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Edward was born May 1, 1954, in Gilbert, LA and passed away December 10, 2024, at his residence in Bernice, LA. He married his soulmate, Donna "Ann", of 51½ yrs, since August 4, 1973. Edward worked in construction since he was 15 years old and was an expert heavy equipment operator. He worked many years side by side his kids and nephews who he called his A-Team. He taught his kids how to work hard for what they have.
Edward loved hunting, fishing, and working in his yard. In his younger years he loved being at the drag races. Also, he loved working on cars, eating some fried chicken, and was always, just a phone call away if anyone needed help.
He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor which he passed along to his kids. Daddy loved being a part of Mama's with Christmas Hearts. He got so much joy out of giving Christmas gifts to less fortunate kids. Daddy was his kid's friend and hero!!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles "Bud" Ates and Fannie Ates; brothers, John Oliver, Steven Randal, and James Calvin; sisters, Betty Primm, Carolyn Ates, Linda Dodge, Edith Akin; grandchildren, William Thomas and John Oliver Rodgers.
Edward is survived by his wife Donna "Ann" Ates; children, Edward Ates Jr. and wife Alicia; Donna Ates, Gloria Ates, Chastity Ates, Calvin "C.W." Ates and wife Alice, Jonathan Ates, Rachel Ates, Heather Rodgers and husband Chad, and Charity "Bessie" Ates; grandchildren, Chelsea Giddings (James), Douglas Ates, Sabrina Ates, Stephanie Groan, Jessica Read (Logan), April Takewell (Terry), Courtney McCurry, Joshua McCurry, Summer McCurry, Alex Ates, James Ates, Destiny Ates, Stormie Moore, Jeramiah Moore, Charity Ates, Chad "CJ" Rodgers, Jr., Olivia Rodgers, and Candace Rodgers; great grandchildren, Leslie Taylor, Annaleigh Read, Hutson Read, Meadow Groan, Leighlah Takewell, and Brantley McCurry; sisters, Dorothy Mercer (Tommy), Darlene Smith (Mike), Charlene Evans ( Billy Joe); brothers, Charles Ates (Doris), Roy Ates, and Wayne Ates (Lisa); brother-in-law, Charles Ray Odom (Anna), sister-in-law, Jean Foster; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Pallbearers will be Skid Adams, Jonathan Ates, Rachel Ates, Rusty Garner, Jonathan Guidry, Laderrick Jackson, Chad Rodgers, Josh Smith; Honorary pallbearers will be Alan Ates, Steve Barmore, Brandon Cummings, and Roy Jenkins.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
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