Benjamin E. Kates, Jr.
1951-2015
Benjamin Eugene Kates, Jr. was born July 30, 1951 in Kansas City General Hospital to Benjamin Eugene Kates, Sr. and Nora Lee McCart. Ben lived an exciting 63 years and passed on July 12, 2015. Ben was a 1969 graduate Rosedale High School in Kansas City. During this time, he developed his passion for sports and he could often be found attending sporting events with his friends and family. There was no greater joy in Ben’s life than cheering on his own kids, grandkids, and his friends’ kids from the stands. He was everyone’s biggest fan. Ben was a graduate of Central State University where he studied elementary education. Ben followed his love for demolition and owned and operated Midwest Wrecking Company in Oklahoma City for 39 Years.
Ben met the love of his life, Peggy Jameson, while attending church in Edmond. They were married on April 3, 1971. Ben and Peggy spent 44 wonderful years growing deeper in love with each passing year. Together they raised four successful children who brought him great pride. Ben had a great influence over his children’s lives. Through his dedication of time to his children, he made a lasting impact that will remain with them forever. Even though everyone loved Ben, his children got the best gift of all… to call him Dad. Ben loved his grandchildren with all his heart and could never give or get enough hugs and kisses. He was always looking for a reason to see his grandchildren in Kansas or in Edmond. When one of his grandkids called him to come, there was no excuse big enough to keep Pa Pa away.
Ben’s faith was such a large part of his life. He attended Faith Bible and invested his time in the church. He was faithful in his commitment to the church through his giving and attendance. He had a great time having his Sunday School party in his big red barn. Ben practiced what he believed in and was always willing to help anyone in need. It was obvious his love for God was real and genuine and impacted how he treated people in his everyday life.
He enjoyed playing “farmer” with his cows, watching his kids and grandkids play in the pool, attending Sunday family lunch, spending time with his friends and family, and helping people in need.
Ben leaves behind the love of his life, Peggy Jameson Kates, whom he called Angel. Ben thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. He also leaves a lasting legacy in his four children, Chris Kates and his wife Jean of Edmond, Tim Kates and his son Remington and step-daughter Emily Mitchell of Kansas City, Kevin Kates and his wife Bettina and their three children, Kaylee, Ella, and Benjamin, of Edmond and Rebecca Kates Taylor and her husband Jared also of Edmond; along with his sister Wauneeta Cornforth and her husband David of Edmond and brother Ed Kates of Kansas City; his in-laws Donna Eisenhour and her husband Charles of El Reno, Janice Garlett and her husband Grayson of Calumet, and Don Jameson and his wife Debra of Oklahoma City.
Ben touched the lives of those who knew him with his generosity, kindness, and Christ-likeness. Though he stood 6’3″ and had a towering presence, all which knew him best knew that he was just a big teddy bear and he earned the title “Gentle Ben”. He was God’s gentle giant here on Earth.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, 1200 E I-35 Frontage Road, Edmond, OK, 73034. Formal viewing with family in attendance will be Thursday, July 16th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S Kelly Avenue, Edmond, OK, 73003.
Ben had a desire to help educate others and in honor of that the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Ben Kates Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 14668, Oklahoma City OK 73113.
To the Kates Family,
I know we have not spoken in many years but when I heard about Ben, I wanted to offer my sincerest condolences for your loss. Ben was a wonderful man & I fully enjoyed all the time that I worked with him as well as with Peggy, Kevin & Chris.
Best wishes,
Michelle Peace
TO THE KATES FAMILY
I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED VISITING WITH BEN WHEN HE CAME IN TO GET PERMITS. HE WAS A MAN WITH GREAT PATIENCE AND ALWAYS SPOKE KINDLY. HIS GENTLENESS AND KINDNESS IS REFLECTED IN HIS CHILDREN THAT I HAVE ALSO HAD THE PLEASURE TO WORK WITH. I WILL MISS HIS SMILE AND TWINKLE IN HIS EYES. MY CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH COMFORT
MELODY RICHARDS
I am sorry to hear about your loss ben was a good person I am going to miss playing domino’s with him. He came out to seniors and got to play dominoes it was fun we had a nice day.RIP you are with the angels now god bless you will be missed
Our condolences to the Kates family!
There’s nothing like a blessed man who knows he’s truly a blessed man. Ben was humble, sincere, and compassionate. Doing business with him for decades was a true privilege.
We are saddened at the prospect of our world without Ben Kates. God bless Ben and God bless the Kates family! We are so sorry for your great loss.
Ben was a great man. He was always so kind to my boys and their families as well as my husband and I. We were all sad to here the news that such an excellent man with a one of a kind personality had passed on. Our kind thoughts and love are with the family as they go through this tough time.
We are so sorry to hear about Ben passing away. The Kates family is in our prayers.
Dear Peggy, Chris, and Kevin. (and your whole family)
I am so sorry for your loss. Ben was a great man. I loved working for him and your family. Ben was one of the most giving man I have known. I truly believe he never met a stranger. You could tell that he loved his job and he loved his family even more. If my family turns out half as good as the Kates’, I will be blessed!
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Oklahoma lost a great man, but Heaven gained one!
Love you guys!!!
The Stucker’s
Peggy and family
We do not have words to express our sadness for your loss. We go back to CSC days and those are some of my fondest. Ben was always helping others and his love for family and friends will always have a memory for me and a smile on my face. God is with you. Our love. Joe and Pam Lovell
My condolences to the Kates family,
Mr. Kates was a fine man and well respected in the demolition industry. He was one of the “good guys”, he will truly be missed!
I offer my prayers to Ms Peggy, Chris and the remainder of the Kates family, may God continue to bless you all in this time of need.
To All The Kates Family
Our love, thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you during these difficult times and the healing process ahead. We’ve heard nothing but positive, kind and wonderful things about our cousin Ben. While we lived far apart, You’ll always be in our hearts .
Your cousins
Linda, Dave & Families
Ben was a friend, a gentleman and an example of everything that is good about Oklahoma and Oklahoman’s. He will be greatly missed by many. To Peggy and the rest of the family, you’re in my prayers. May God bless you all and grant you peace.
Sincerely,
Bob Acker
Dear Kates Family,
It warms my heart to read all the comments from Ben’s friends. He Is a very special person. He stands very tall in my book!! God Bless your family in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Rod Smith
Though we did not know each other well, we were both protégés of David Kistler. That was our bond. It was a strong bond. Rest in peace my friend. You will be sorely missed
We were deeply saddened by the news of Ben’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kate’s family during this difficult time. May Ben’s memories help you find peace. Sincerely John and Diane Day
We have been blessed to know Ben as our son Jared married his daughter Rebecca. Immediately, we were welcomed into the Kate’s family! Jared became Ben’s 4th son for which we are forever grateful! Ben would call every couple months to just see how we were doing. He & Peg even came to Northern Idaho to visit and fell in love with this country. He will be greatly missed! Thanks for all the wonderful memories Big Ben!
So Sorry for your loss. We just heard of Ben’s passing & are very saddened … Your Family is in our Prayers!! He was definitely a Great Man here on this earth! My father thought the world of Ben. Before he passed away he always talked about his visits & always bought barbecue on many Sunday afternoons!! May God Bless your family during this tough time. George and Sharon Hesser
To the Kates Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ben was loved and respected by many. Love and prayers to your family.
– Rikki Opperman
To the Kates Family,
I knew of “Ben” as the boss and mentor to my brother in law Ross Casner and several of his brothers. The Casner boys worked for Ben and Midwest Wrecker for all of their adult lives. I know of Ben’s kindness and his generosity to the Casners and their families. Their hearts are broken and their lives will never be the same without Ben.
I pray for peace and comfort for your family today and the all of the days to come. I pray and ask God to guide your family in the day to to day decsisions of running a very large and successful business.
It is very comforting to know that without a doubt, Ben is walking the streets of gold, in heaven, holding hands with his Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Sherry Miller
Ben, I had to no clue you had past. My condolences to him
And his family. During the last major tornado I sat in his truck. I looked in the back. There sat his bible. And I’ll never forget the words he gave this young contractor. Appreciate you and everything that is a part of you. I know your in heaven looking down upon us. Thank you for everything.