Kenneth Merle Oates

Kenneth Merle Oates, of Groesbeck, passed away at Limestone Medical Center on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at age 77. A Memorial Service celebrating Kenneth’s life will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Victory Baptist Church in Groesbeck, with Pastor Ben David Watson officiating.  Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Galyean, Joe Gonzalez, Chris Henson, Danny Hewitt, Jessie Jackson, Kelly Kilpatrick and Gene Robinett. Kenneth was born August 29, 1941 in Merkle, Texas to William John Oates and Mary Vernon (Lummus) Oates.  He grew up in Groesbeck and graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1959.   Most Groesbeck people knew him as Merle Oates.   Kenneth served in the U. S. Navy from 1963 through 1967. Kenneth Merle was united in marriage with Charlotte Jean Jenkins on January 12, 1971 in Mexia.  They made their home in Groesbeck. Merle was a member of the Victory Baptist Church of Groesbeck. Kenneth Merle was preceded in death by their son, Travis William Oates; granddaughter, Michayla Nicole Jackson; parents, William and Vernon Oates;  and his brothers, Gerald Oates and John Wayne Oates. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Jean Oates of Groesbeck;  daughter, Sandy Londenberg of Groesbeck; daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Shawn Weishuhn of Rowlett; three granddaughters and grandson-in-law Rachel and Daryl Elmore of Groesbeck, Stacy and Clint Peery of Groesbeck, and Carley and Caleb Fraley of Rowlett; and five great grandchildren: Blayne Elmore, Brantley Peery, Paetyn Peery, Marlye Jackson, and Rhett Peery.