Alexander Kates, Sr.'s Obituary
Alexander Kates Sr. ?Zant? 56, of Bridgeton, NJ departed this life on Tuesday May 30, 2006 in South Jersey Regional Medical Center where he had been a patient for two days. He was born in Lake City, Florida to Alice Lee Jordan and the late John Courson Kates. Alexander was raised and attended schools in the Bridgeton area. After his graduation from Bridgeton High School in 1969, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he was awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals for his service. He was stationed in Germany for most of his service time. In 1972 he transferred to the U.S. Army reserves in order to be closer to his family and to marry his high school sweetheart, Barbara nee Smith Kates. He continued his service in the reserves until his retirement in 1994.
Alexander began working at Owens Illinois in 1972 and worked there until the company?s closing in 1984. He also was employed at Wheaton Glass for a short period of time and then became a corrections officer working in several of the state prisons in the area. He was last employed with the South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton. Alexander greatly enjoyed his job as a corrections officer and was proud to wear the uniform. He received the Officer of the Year Award in 1996 and the Customer Service Excellence Award in 2001. He was a strong family man who greatly enjoyed family gatherings. He also enjoyed listening to music, playing spades, working on cars, and doing household repairs.
Alexander is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Kates of 34 years, his children Alex Fentress and Amehia Kates of Bridgeton, Alexander Yasmin Kates Jr. of San Diego, Calif., Alexandria and Ebony Kates of Bridgeton, his mother Alice Lee Jordan Kates, seven brothers and three sisters Harry Lisa Kates of Somerdale NJ, John Martha Kates of Windsor CT, Lenzy B. Kates and Linda Alphonso Rahming of Bridgeton, Pearl Jones Alfred Jones predeceased of Millville, Richard Gloria Kates of Vineland, Raymond Kates of Bridgeton, Charlie Cindy Kates of Centerton, Ralph Kates of Millville, Marilyn Roosevelt Hudgon of Bridgeton , his grandchildren Alex Fentress Jr., Khalil and DeAndre Kates, Katrina Fentress, Isiah and Nasir Kates, all of Bridgeton and Jasmine Kates of San Diego, Calif., his mother in law Rosalie Smith of Bridgeport, CT and Father in law Purman Smith of Bridgeton, eight brother in laws, seven sister in laws, as well as host of aunts, uncles, nieces , nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brother in laws.
Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Tuesday June 6, 2006 from the Glory Tabernacle Church 1018 Buckshutem Rd. Bridgeton, NJ at 12:00 p.m. with the church?s pastor the Rev. David Hadley officiating. The interment will be in Cumberland County Veterans Cemetery, Hopewell Township.
Friends may call on Tuesday morning at the church from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. prior to the services.
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