Obituary of Kenneth G Spates

Kenneth G Spates, 87, of Citra passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at Legacy House in Ocala. Kenneth was a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and moved to this area from Fort Lauderdale, FL.  He was a vendor at the market of Marion for a number of years.  Ken served in the United States Air Force During the Korean War as a pilot and radio operator. After leaving the service he was an Air Traffic Controller and Instructor as well as a Flight Instructor.  He volunteered at Monroe Regional as Pastoral Care and also served as an usher at Our Redeemer Lutheran.  Ken loved all animals and never met a stranger. He enjoyed gardening and traveling. Ken has been in 40 countries. Most of them while in the service. 

Survivors include wife, Mary Lou Spates; 2 sons, Steven Spates and David Spates; daughter, Judith Lancey; step children, Lee Jenkins, Barbara Gonzalez (Jenkins), and Robin Parker (Jenkins); 8 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.

Predeceased by his parents, son Ken Spates and daughter Pamela Spates.

A visitation for Kenneth will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Saturday, December 28 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services (910 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470). A graveside service will be held at Florida National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice Legacy House in his memory. Online condolences may be sent at www.hiers-baxley.com.