Marvin Kates

Marvin Rainey Kates, 87, a resident of Troy for over 50 years, died May 18, 2006, at Boundary County Nursing Home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

He was born Aug. 19, 1918, in Anona, Texas, to James Kates and Dolly Chadwick Kates, the youngest of 10 children.

He met the love of his life, Bernice Lucille Foote Jones, in 1937 and they married March 4, 1939, in Arkansas.

In 1942, the family moved to Tensed, Idaho, and he later enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served until being honorably discharged in 1945. He then worked in logging and later for Benewah County, Idaho, Road Department.

In 1953, he and Bernice moved their family to Troy where they raised their family and made many lifelong friends. Marvin again worked as a logger before working for the Lincoln County Road Department, retiring n 1978. He loved to garden and tinker, adored his children and grandchildren and loved to tease and make them laugh.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, in 1993 and now enjoys being with her again. Also preceding him in death were three brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his children, Wilma Countryman Nesbitt and her husband, Bob, of Troy; Mackie Thomas of St. Maries, Idaho; Lottie Ring and her husband, John, of Troy; Marvin E. Kates and his wife, Charity, of Milton-Freewater, Ore.; and Judy Porter and her husband, Doug, of Spokane, Wash.; 20 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Willie; sisters, Mary and Roannie, all in Texas; many nieces, nephews, and friends, and a family who will miss his great infectious smile and shy ways.

Services were Monday, May 22, at 1 p.m. at Three Lakes Community Bible Church near Troy. Interment with military honors followed at Milnor Lake Cemetery. Visitation was from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday at the church.

Arrangements were under the care of Nelson and Vial Funeral Home.