Obituary of Winford "Winnie" Wesley Bates

Winford “Pooh” Wesley Bates, age 85, of Independence, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 21, 2018. He was born to the late Cecil and Viola Bates on June 25, 1932 in Kenton County.

Winford was a United States Marine Veteran and also worked for the State Highway Department as a truck driver. He was a member of Community Family Church and a board member of the Appalachian Children’s Home in Barbourville, KY.

Winford enjoyed fishing, “eating and napping”, tending to his garden, and making ice cream.

He was a devoted family man who always loved spending time with his family and visiting relatives.

Winford is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Nyland and Ernest “Ernie” Bates.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Nora Bates; daughters, Janis Plagge (Mike), Nancy Patrick (Edgar) and Vicky Eltzroth (Tod); brothers, Tom Bates and Gene Bates; grandsons, Jim and Michael Plagge, Brent and Bradley Lively, and Colin and Evan Patrick; and 8 great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Winford will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 from 10AM until 12PM at Community Family Church, 11875 Taylor Mill Rd, Independence, KY 41051.

The Funeral Service will begin at 12PM, also at the church. Interment will immediately follow with Military Honors at Independence Cemetery.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.