Robert W. "Bob" Ates, 73 of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at Elkhart General Hospital Emergency Room. Robert was born on July 5, 1948, in Elkhart to the late

He is survived by his loving son Joseph C "Joey" (Atitaya) Ates; brother Bill Ates and sisters Dixie (Tom) Russell and Nancy Borkholder; as well as several nieces

Bob was a graduate of Elkhart High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorable discharged in 1972.  Robert retired from Utility Body Werks, in Elkhart where he served as the regional sales manager.

Robert was devoted catholic and attended mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He looked forward to making the trip to the famous El Camino de Santiago (known in English as the Way of St. James) is a network of pilgrimages in Spain, France and Portugal. Bob loved his family and cats

Visitation for Robert was held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart.  Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 13, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. with additional visitation ½ hour prior at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St. Elkhart. Rev. Jason Freiburger will officiate. Per his wishes, cremation will follow the mass.  For more information on Bob, feel; free to contact his son at joseph@ates.io

Condolences made be made online to Roberts family www.billingsfuneralhome.com