Kenneth “Punch” R. Bates, age 86, of Gouverneur, passed away on February 3, 2017 at the United Helpers Maplewood Nursing Home.
Calling hours were held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 from 2p.m. to 4p.m. and 6p.m to8 p.m. His funeral service was on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial in the Hailesboro Cemetery.
Ken was born on January 3, 1931 in Redwood to the late Raymond and Beulah (Stanton) Bates. He grew up in Redwood and served in the U.S. Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged.
Punch married Marlene M. Hess on September 1, 1950 in Morristown. The couple owned and operated a dairy farm on the Little Bow Road in Gouverneur for many years. Marlene passed away on October 9, 2005.
Punch enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and playing cards. He was a member of the Silver Sands Hunting Club and former member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge.
His survivors include four children, Michael and Deborah Bates, Kathy and Wayne Bishop, Lisa and Greg Nichols, Stephen Bates and his companion, Christine Cognetti; a sister-in-law, Marion Barr; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Marlene, brothers Robert, Oren “Tim” and Earl, and a half brother, Jeff Turner.
Donations in memory of Punch may be made to the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund, PO Box 291, Canton NY 13617. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.