Danny Joe Bates passed away peacefully by the side of his wife of 56 years, Patricia, in Plymouth, Indiana on March 9, 2025.
Dan was born to Betty Mills Bates in 1946 and was raised by his mother and stepfather, Floyd Edward Holt, who loved him as his own. He had 4 siblings and grew up surrounded by love. Dan graduated from Kokomo High School in 1964. He then went on to attend Indiana State University in Terre Haute to play football and track. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity where he shared a number of wonderful memories with his teammates and fraternity brothers. While at ISU he met his future wife, Patricia Light. Dan went on to graduate with a bachelor’s in education but decided not to walk in his commencement celebration. Instead, he married Patti on that day, June 1, 1968. Dan and Patti went on to live in Kokomo, Indiana, where Dan taught PE and health at Elwood Haines Junior High until 1980. He obtained his master’s degree in 1970. The couple, and their 2 daughters, Terri and Angela, moved from Kokomo to Terre Haute in 1980 to work on their PhDs, together. In 1982, Dan and Patti both received their doctorate degrees in education. Dan worked as a principal at Mount Ayre Jr. High from 1982-1984 in Mount Ayre, Indiana. He then went on to become superintendent of schools, first at Triton Community Schools in Bourbon, IN and then at Plymouth Community Schools in Plymouth, IN. He finished his career in education as the Director of Northern Indiana Education Service Center until he retired to care for his wife.
Dan loved to be involved in his community. He was a member of Kiwanis for several years, United Way, where he was co-chair alongside Jessica Oliver, and a member of the West Township Board. His interests included travel, golf, and reading, but most importantly spending time with his family. His love for his wife, daughters, their husbands, and his grandchildren was unmatched.
Dan is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia; his daughters: Teresa (Cory) Dennie; and Angela (Stephen) Hissong; and his grandchildren: Alicia (Trevor) Neidlinger; Cameron (Halle) Dennie; Brayden, Ella and Lola Hissong; his siblings: Linda (Roger) Myers of Arizona; brother-in-law, Mike Williams of Kokomo; Dennis (Marie) Holt of Silver Lake; sister-in-law, Jenny (Don) Ransford.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Betty Holt, and his sisters: Cheryl (Ron) Smith; and Tina Williams.
A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Marshall County (314 E Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN 46563) or the Plymouth High School Athletic Department (#1 Big Red Dr., Plymouth, IN 46563) in Dan’s name.
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the Bates family and is honored to be providing our services in celebrating the life of Danny. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.
