Kenneth Gilbert Bates, affectionately known as Kenny G, Ken Boy, Kenny Bear, and Fonzie, was born into the bustling family of Newton V and Shirley M. Smith Bates on April 13, 1962 in Portsmouth, NH. He was a very quiet baby, and soon after his birth his parents were told that he had Down's Syndrome and would probably not live to be a year old, but he did. Then they were told he wouldn't live to be a teenager, but he did, graduating from high school in1982 with his younger brother, John. Kenny passed away peacefully after a short bout of severe pneumonia at the age of 60 on June 12, 2022, what would have been his parents wedding anniversary.

Ken was a member of the First Baptist church of Vineland and knew the Lord. Later when he moved to Illinois after his mothers passing, he became very active in Fox Valley Bible Church. He was active in Special Olympics in both New Jersey and Illinois, medaling in soft ball throw (under the tutelage of brother Bill), standing broad jump, and 25 M run/walk. He participated in the International Special Olympics in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he won a gold medal in bowling.

Born into a family that loved music, Ken took to it naturally. He played the drums, piano, keyboard, and even tried his hand at the accordian thanks to brother Ray. He loved listening to his jazz station, concerts, Elvis Presley, Kenny G, and his big favorite, Michael Jackson. Thriller was a favorite and his moonwalk was special to see.

After Ken's Mom passed away he went to Illinois to live with sister Brenda and Brother-in-Law Bill in St. Charles, Illinois, and shortly after God answered Kens prayer to go into a group home. He spent nearly 20 years there with his new family and caregiver Kim. He moved on to Meadows Sheltered care in Rolling Meadows, IL when his health started to fail.

Ken Bates was a very kind and loving man, a prankster, a hugger, a lover of coffee, beer and burgers, and an occasional cigar, and an eager observer of life all about him. Pre-deceased by his parents of Vineland and his brother Richard and nephew Richie of Waynesville, NC, Ken is survived by Brenda Bates Dyer and William Dyer of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Ray and Ellen Bates of Buena, NJ, Bill Bates of W. Newfield, Maine, Donald and Terry Bates of Hyndman, PA, sister in law Pam Bates of NC, and John and Yolanda Bates of Acworth, GA. He also leaves nieces Sharleen Dyer, Rebecca Dyer, Shirley Bates, and Ashley Bates, and nephews William C. Dyer, Raymond C Bates, William Bates, Donnie Bates, Charles Erhart, and Jonothan Bates. He's also survived by many great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be sent in his honor to : VISION, c/o Zachary House, 1102 East Avenue, Streamwood, IL 60504.

We will remember you, Kenny, for all our days.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 21st at 1:00 pm at the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland, with Rev. Louis Spyes officiating. Interment will follow in Siloam Cemetery, Vineland. Family and friends may gather for the viewing from 12:00-1:00 pm, prior to the service.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.