Kenneth M. Gates

Kenneth “Kenny” Gates, 73, of Lexington, Oregon passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019 in Heppner, Oregon. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. the Lexington Bible Church.

He was adopted at age 5 by his grandparents, Lillian and Jack Gates. Kenny was raised on the Middle Fork of the John Day River on the Jack Gates Ranch from birth until the age of twelve. When he lost his beloved father, the ranch was sold. From there he moved constantly across Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

He moved to Lexington in his teens and met the love of his life, Candce Papinaeau. They were married on June 17, 1967. The couple lived in Lexington their entire life. Kenny was proud that as a husband and father he provided a stable homelife with the purchase and ownership of two homes for his family. He worked at Morrow County Road department, Kinzua Pine Mill and for various logging companies. He then became an owner/operator of his own logging Trucks. This was his dream and he enjoyed the long hours and trips to the woods.

Kenny enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and any and everything in the; mountains. When his health didn’t allow him to drive truck he then enjoyed spending time at the chip plant and watching trucks coming through. He also enjoyed trips to Sumpter to stay a few days with his sister Bonnie.

Kenny belonged to the Truck Loggers Association and Fraternal Order of Eagles where he achieved golden Eagle. He was a proud and active member of AA. He cherished these years as a member and a sponsor to many. He is loved and adored by manly for his helpful, kind, caring and gentle heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Jack Gates and Kenneth Hallanger and also a nephew, Kenneth “Little Kenny” Graves.

Survivors include his beloved wife Candace, his children Melissa and Michael Towers, Melanie Gates, will Martin, 5 grandchildren and a great grandson. He is also survived by his mother Connie Lucille and sisters Bonnie Paullus and Rita Wolsey and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation (“https://www.helpfightta.org).

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