Bruce Wayne Bates

Bruce W. Bates, 73 years of Greenfield passed away Friday evening, May 30, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born December 31, 1950, in Shelbyville, Ind. to the late Glen A. & Betty June (Buehling) Bates.

Bruce graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in 1969, attended I.U.P.U.I., and served in the US Air Force Reserves for 6 years. He worked at the I.U.P.U.I Main Library for 36 years in the IT department where he was known for his passion and love for his career. Bruce was known for his great sense of humor and was an avid cyclist. He was known to ride with his son, Christian, 12 miles a day up until November of 2024. He was a reader of spy novels and mystery novels like Sherlock Holmes. When Bruce was not riding his bike or reading, he filled his time with activities that challenged him. These ranged from puzzles, fixing things around the house or working with computers. Having the name "Bruce Wayne" Bates, how could Bruce not be a Batman fan? Since he was a kid, he'd kiddingly tell people he was Batman. His family, friends, and coworkers have gifted him many Batmobiles, Batman figures, Batman backpacks and other memorabilia.

He is survived by his wife Barbara E. (Rogers) Bates whom he married on June 8, 1970, 3 sons, R. Wayne Bates, James C. Bates, Christian L. Bates, siblings, Kim Bates, Myra Bates, sisters-in-law, Patricia (Brendan) Martin, Judith (Dick) Roberts, grandchildren, Amelia, Thomas, Mason, great grandchildren, Brenleigh, Maeve, Theo and Xavier.

He was preceded in death by his parents listed above, brother, Gary Bates and sister, Donna Lane.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Pasco Chapel, 1780 W. Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140. Funeral service will be 10:00 am Friday, June 6, 2025, at the funeral home with Pastor Wyatt Watkins officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery, Greenfield, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be sent to, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 11550 N. Meridian Street, Carmel, IN 46032