George Victor Bates, 86, of Grafton passed away Sunday February 10, 2019 at the Hospice Center of Medina County. He was born March 14, 1932 in Moultrie, OH. to Victor and Ethel Bates and was a Grafton resident for most of his life. George was a 1949 graduate of Minerva High School and in 1964 from Ashland College with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. George spent his adult life working with children. His first teaching position was one year in the Mansfield School System. The next 26 years were spent teaching elementary physical education in the Midview School System. In addition to teaching, he was actively involved in umpiring high school softball, football and baseball for over 35 years. He was advisor to the Grafton Ski Bums for 40 years. He has received numerous awards including the induction into the Elyria Umpire Association Hall of Fame. George was a 50 year member of the Lisbon Grange and a 50 year member of the Ashland Masonic Lodge #151. Survivors include his brother, Harold (Juanita) Bates of Minerva; sister, Miriam (Bill) Barker of Delaware, OH; sister-in-law, Eleanor Bates of Lisbon, OH. ; brother-in-law, John Schmachtenberger of Minerva and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Fred and sister, LaDonna Schmachtenberger. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Medina County 5075 Windfall Rd. Medina, OH. 44256. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com

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