David Allen Bates

David Allen Bates, 36, of Stendal, passed away April 23, 2026 in Stendal, IN. He was born August 4, 1989 to David Lee Johnson and Shonna (Bates) Strotman in New Albany, IN. David graduated from Pike Central High School Class of 2008. He went on to join the United States Marine Corps, serving 3 years. He worked for OFS in Huntingburg as a fork lift operator.

David loved his children, spending time with them and playing NBA 2K on the Xbox. He enjoyed working out, camping, fishing, and was a huge Kentucky basketball fan. David was the life of the party, always making his presence felt. He kept a strict diet and ate healthy, when it was his birthday he preferred a watermelon over a birthday cake. Ever the competitor, David proudly took 2nd place in the 2008 Iron Man Regional Competition.

David was a ‘gear head’, constantly working on anything motorized but especially cars and taught others as well. He was also a ‘bass head’ who enjoyed his loud music. David loved his dogs and enjoyed breeding pit bulls, he co-owned Bone Creek Kennels. Like many, David fought addiction and he was proudly sober since September 11, 2023. David was a member of the Redemption Church in Jasper, IN and the Fit to Rise CrossFit Gym. He was the assistant youth wrestling coach at Southridge in Huntingburg, IN. He also volunteered for Night to Shine.

David is survived by his father, David Johnson of New Albany; mother, Shonna (Bates) Strotman; sons, Owen Wayne Redecker Bates, JaKobe Allen Bates; daughter, Anastasia Shea Bates; brother, Travis Johnson of Georgetown, IN; sisters, Vikki Headley of Washington, IN, Lindley Johnson, and Ashley Harris of Georgetown, IN; and many extended family members.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST at Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg, IN. A funeral service will take place at 5:00 p.m. EST. There will no burial as David will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, in David’s memory, to be made out to Fit to Rise CrossFit Gym and the address to send donations to will be updated to the obit. Harris Funeral Home is entrusted with care.