Craig A. Wates “Gnomey”, 46 of Hobart passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024. He was born May 31, 1978, to James & Kathleen (Cocco) Wates and graduated from Boone Grove High School in 1996. Craig made his career for the past 15 years as a lineman with I.B.E.W. Local #196. He enjoyed traveling to many different parts of the world, but especially liked to visit Dallas, Texas and made friends everywhere he went. His naturally kind-hearted and giving nature endeared him to nearly everyone. Craig possessed protective instincts since childhood and instinctively defended the less fortunate. His fun-loving spirit allowed him to get a matching tattoo with his daughter Angie, and also allowed him to put up with some good ribbing from the kids about his peculiar habits while driving, and he loved to take drives. Recently his excitement level had shifted up a gear when he started mountain biking with his son Carlos and they began dreaming of all the challenging and intriguing destinations they might visit.
Survivors include his children; Angelina Wates, Carlos Wates , Tieler Michiaels (Katie Nagai), Brenda Michiaels (fiancé – Stacey Vallo), his mother, Kathy Wates of Hobart, niece, Hailey Riley, and his significant other, Tessa Anderson. He was preceded in death by his wife Sonia Celeste Wates (nee Forste), his father, James Wates, sister, Jamie Wates, and brother, Rick Wates. His canine friends at home, “Ruca” & “Tiki” will also miss him dearly and his longtime companion “Aerial” will now be reunited with him forever. This unusually cohesive bond seemed to come from Craig’s special gift as a dog whisperer.
A visitation will be held Saturday, September 28th from 9 am – 1 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm and burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the family for the benefit of Craig’s children. A luncheon will follow the burial at 683 W. State Road #130, Hobart, Indiana 46342.
GUESTBOOK
RIP Brother. You will be missed!.. see you on the other side my friend. -Mike Bilbrey
Words cannot come close to the sympathy shared with the family of the untimely passing of Gnomey. He was awesome…..a union brother, doting husband to Sonia and father to Ang and CJ as well as a great friend to me and many. He was always the man he never had to be with his bigger than life heart and upbeat infectious personality. Rest in peace my friend. -Brad Monti
You will be missed, Brother. I enjoyed working with you during your apprenticeship. To the family, remember that love, laughter, and great memories always outlast tears and sorrow. -John Perez
