Jeffery Neil Bates

Jeffery Neil Bates, age 52, of Jackson, Ohio, passed away at his residence after a hard- fought battle with cancer on Sunday, January 10, 2010. He was born January 12, 1957 in Euclid, Ohio, to Vance and Pat (McDiffitt) Bates. He was employed with Columbia Gas for 22 years, most recently as a Plant and Service Supervisor. Jeffery attended Ohio University and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and loved his children and family dearly. In addition to his parents, he is survived by son, Jason Bates, of Hilliard, Ohio; daughter, Jodi Bates, of Lore City, Ohio; brothers, Jerry (Lori) Bates, of Cambridge, and Jan Bates, of Shelby, Ohio; sister, Judy (Jeff) Wendorf, of Hartville, Ohio; grandmother, Eileen Bates, of Cambridge, Ohio; mother of his children, Cindy (Paul) Hixson, of Cambridge, Ohio; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces. He is preceded in death by grandfather, Willard Bates; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Don McDiffitt. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where funeral services will be held on Friday (January 15, 2010) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Keith McDiffitt officiating.