Kenneth Oates , 73, of Magnolia, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2013 in Shenandoah. He was born August 31, 1939 in Sugarland to Edwin Fred Oates and Velma Holt Brear. Mr. Oates, a 1965 graduate of Texas A & M University, retired as a drilling engineer from British Petroleum after 33 ½ years of service. He was a member of First Baptist Church in The Woodlands, where he served as a Deacon. He also led the planning for senior adult activities and service opportunities.

He especially loved serving in his community. For over 25 years he was a volunteer crew leader in Rebuilding Together Houston – a volunteer home repair program designed to provide no cost home repair to low income homeowners. Ken served as the Community Volunteer member of the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee since his retirement in 1999.

He was also instrumental in developing a home building team within his church to serve through Habitat for Humanity focusing on low income housing development in the Conroe area.

Through each of these organizations he was known for his faithful service and tireless devotion.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2013 at Lone Cedar Baptist Church in Joaquin with Bro. John Bernard officiating. Interment will follow at Lone Cedar Cemetery.

He is survived by

Wife: Judy Oates of Magnolia

Daughters:

Lisa Crofton and husband, Jeff of Katy

Julie Oates of Houston

Cheryl Bernard and husband, John of Plano

Charla Rainey of Nashville

Son: Craig Rainey of Houston

Granddaughters:

Katie & Madison Crofton

Kristen Reid

Kassi Noyes

Katelyn Bernard

Great Grandchildren:

Jake, Ashlyn, Issac, Asa, Sadie and Ellie

Mother-in-law: Ruby Rhodes of The Woodlands

Brothers:

Don Oates and wife, Freya of Deer Park

Burt Johnson and wife, Linda of Spring

Jeff Johnson and wife, Andrea of Magnolia

Sister: Suzanne Hooks and husband, P.J. of Crosby

A number of friends and extended family

Memorial donations may be made to Account for the Future through First Baptist Church of The Woodlands, 11801 Grogan's Mill Road, The Woodlands, Texas 77380.