Kenneth Wayne Bates Sr.

Kenneth Wayne Bates Sr. went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 30th, 2020 at the blessed age of 86, as a patient at St. James Hospital.

He was born to James W. Bates and Edith Mae (Dowling) Bates on October 22, 1934 in Bemidji, MN.

He grew up with four siblings during difficult times giving him the fortitude, strength, and leadership skills he would need to guide his family. He met the love of his life, Marlos Hayward, at the young age of 18 years old and wed when he was 20. They were just 18 days away from celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary when the Lord cal...