CUYAHOGA FALLS- Harold "Hal" Reeve Bates, 89, died July 3, 2026.

Born in Wood County, Hal was raised in Bowling Green, OH. Hal was a graduate of Bowling Green High School, Wilmington College and Kent State University. He lived in Stow for 45 years before moving to Cuyahoga Falls. He retired from Maple Heights High School after teaching at Maplewood Vocational School, Tallmadge High School and the Akron YMCA. After retirement, he and Lois became snowbirds and spent their winters in the Bay Indies Community in Venice, FL. Hal was an avid golfer, starting at the age of 6, and eventually got his first job as a caddie for the golf course across the street from his childhood home. He was actively golfing in many leagues in Ohio and Florida up until last year. He was a man of many talents and knew something about everything, and he had no problem telling you how to do things the right way. He was a dedicated Cleveland Indians fan as well as Ohio State, Browns and Cavaliers. Hal was extremely active with the Bay Indies Covenant Church where he served as a lead usher and a member of the board. Hal was also very proud of being the Stow Kiwanis president for many years and a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, as he regularly attended picnics and golf outings.

Preceded in death by his parents, Harold and LaVerne Bates, wife Lois Bates and son Todd Bates, he is survived by son Shawn (Christi) Bates; grandchildren Ty and Mitch Bates; cousins Karen Tellinger, Jim (Gail) Kelly, Ray (Julie) Kelly, sister-in-law Doris Clapp and nephews Steve Clapp and Jeff (Jamie) Clapp.

Friends and family are invited to Redmon Funeral Home 3633 Darrow Rd, Stow OH 44224 for visitation Thursday, July 9th, 2026 from 5-7 PM. A private burial will be held at Stow Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in Bay Indies at a later date.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made out to Covenant Church of Bay Indies, PO Box 127, Nokomis, Florida 34274.