Kenneth " Ken " Wayne Bates' Obituary
Kenneth Wayne Bates, “Ken”, age 80 went to be with Jesus Saturday, June 29. He passed peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife Linda at their home in Bullard TX. Ken was son of Marvin Kenneth Crausby and Ray Murl Bates. MK Crausby was killed in action as a pilot during the Second World War; Ray later met and married William Robert Bates, “Bob”, who adopted Ken and lovingly raised him as his own.
Ken is survived by his lovely wife Linda of 57 years, who he was faithfully devoted to, until his last breath; daughter Jennifer Stanley and son-in-law Chad Stanley, son-in-law Ramon Martinez; grandchildren Jodie and husband Jaeden Hume, Tikki Martinez, Kylie Martinez, Grace Stanley, Colby Martinez, Brookelynn Stanley, Albie Martinez, Cole Stanley, Navie Martinez, Emory Martinez; and great grandchild Axton Martinez. He is preceded in death by his brother William Robert Bates Jr “Bill”, daughter Diana Martinez and grandson Brady Martinez.
Ken graduated from Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, then earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of North Texas. While in his 40’s, he went back to school, earning a Masters in Education at Texas A&M Commerce. His professional career included being a buyer for Sears, a Custom Home Builder, a Math teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist for educators at LaPorte ISD, where he was voted Teacher of the Year. Ken had a genuine gift and love for teaching and poured into all he came across.
Ken had many interests throughout his life; music, playing guitar, motorcycles, and airplanes just to name a few. Ken was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and had a tremendous desire for others to know and serve Him as well. He was engaged in several missional projects, both locally and throughout the world; he was a world traveler with a carefree spirit for adventure. Ken lived a very full life.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Please join us Thursday, July 11 for a Celebration of Life service at Memorial Chapel, Restland in Dallas, 1:00pm Visitation, Service following at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to one of the following ministries that Ken was passionate about and personally supported: CCR / Renewal Ministries / Bible Principles (BIBLEPRINCIPLES.org ) or
High Adventure Gospel Communication Ministries (WWW.HAGCM.org)
“I’ll Fly Away, oh, Glory, I’ll Fly Away….When I Die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll Fly Away”
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