Kenneth Ray Gates

Kenneth Ray Gates, 70, of Las Cruces NM passed away peacefully March 25, 2023, at his home. He was born February 18, 1953, Cameron Texas to the parents John Mickey Gates and Loretta D. Filmore. Kenneth was the oldest of 5 siblings.

Kenneth attended and graduated from Walter P. Chrysler High School, Class of 1971 in New Castle, Indiana, where he played football and did track and field. After high school he had his first born son Antonio Gates and joined the National Guard where he served 5 plus years. After serving our country he moved to Carlsbad, NM to be closer to his father, John Mickey Gates and stepmother Jessie Gate and family.

In 1980 he married Vickie Ingram (Gates) and had 2 more sons, Travis, and Theo Gates. Kenneth was a hard worker with many skills and did most time working for Eddy Potash Mine and the City of Carlsbad. In 2005 he moved to Las Cruces, NM where he spent time working for Salvation Army Family Store and City of Las Cruces. He remarried in 2009 and gained extended family.

Kenneth enjoyed fishing, listening to soul and funk music (James Brown, Luther Vandross and Teddy Pendergrass). He had a major collection of Vinyl albums and loved to play dominoes. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan and loved wearing beret hats. The food he enjoyed eating most was catfish, Mexican food and never could say no to sweets. Let's not forget he always had to have his beer.

He is survived by his 3 sons, Antonio Gates of Greenfield, IN, Travis Gates (Christina) and Theo Gates both of Las Cruces, NM, devoted stepmother Ms. Jessie Gates of Carlsbad, NM, brother Marvin Gates (Alicia) of Clovis, NM, sister Honorable Collis Gates (Johnson), sister Vicki Edwards (Jackie) of Garland, TX, sister Livia Godfrey (Comas) of Wolfforth, TX, granddaughters Alexis F. Gates of Greenfield, IN, Talia and Tamara Gates of Las Cruces NM, stepdaughters Perla and Rubi Delgado of Las Cruces, 13 step grandchildren, many aunts, uncles, cousins, numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

He was preceded his parents John Mickey Gates and Loretta D. Filmore, stepfather Howard Bassett, stepsons Victor and Jesus Delgado.