Kenneth Yates, age 69 of Hesperia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 21, 2008 at his home. Ken was born on September 9, 1939 in Fargo, North Dakota to John Gerald and Nancy Grace (Draves) Yates. Ken met and later married Vera Fairfield on March 17, 1960 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and later moved to Muskegon and eventually moved to Hesperia with his family in 1972. Ken had been a machinist at CWC in Muskegon for several years until his retirement in 1984. Ken was active in the Hesperia community, enjoyed woodworking and reading, but truly enjoyed his grandchildren and being a grandpa. He is survived by his wife, Vera of Hesperia; his children, Robert (Chris) Yates of Sparta; Lauri (Jim) Cherry of Hesperia; Kim (John) Smith of Shelby; Tom (Katrina) Yates of Hesperia; Larry Yates of Muskegon; Cheryl (Tony) Rose of Hesperia; Tammy (Chuck) Willick of Ravenna; 19 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; his brother, Richard Yates of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Steven, Tom, Larry, Jeff, Rodger Yates. VISITATION : Sunday from 5-8pm at Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICES : Monday, Nov. 24, 2008 at 11am at the Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel. INTERMENT : West Hesperia Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Hospice of Michigan. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Yates family online at www.crandellfh.com.