Kenneth E. Goates

Kenneth Earl Goates passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours on Friday, September 13, 2024, joining his Lord and Savior. Only fitting he was with the love of his life Jacqueline at his home in Tyler, Texas.
Ken was born June 26, 1946, in Austin, Texas, to Jneunese Barrett Goates and William Earl Goates. His father was a successful business owner and Purple Heart recipient in the U.S. Navy. His mother was a dedicated homemaker. He was the first born of two sons. He attended Gilmer Public Schools, enjoyed scouting, working on the family peach orchard and was a talented musician. At 17 years of age he enrolled at the University of Texas and played tuba in the Longhorn marching band. He later attended and graduated from East Texas State University in Commerce with a degree in Economics and Finance.
Ken's greatest joy in life was his wife of 56 years. He and Jacqueline Pilgrim Goates met when they were 5 and 7 years old. They married after college and moved to Houston where Ken started a career in the early computer technology industry. While in Houston he joined the U. S. Army National Guard. After the stint in computers he sought out an opportunity to work in his degree field. He pursued his longterm career in investment banking in Houston with Paine Webber. He was offered an opportunity to open a Tyler location in 1980. By this time he and Jacqueline had 2 children. A son Steven and daughter Jennifer, he knew this was the best move for his family and his career. Tyler became the perfect community for his family and afforded them time to have vacations in Colorado and New Mexico. Ken enjoyed snow skiing with his wife and children, golfing, hunting, and cruising on his Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Ken opened his own investment company Secured Trust in 1984 and later purchased Bank of America and merged it with Secured Trust to form Secured Trust Bank in 1997. After years of successful business, Ken sold his bank in 2003 and remained President until 2006. He had his first run at retirement. He and Jacque lived part time at their home in Santa Fe', New Mexico and on Lake Tyler. Several years into his retirement he knew his work wasn't done and he went back to work at Texas Bank and Trust in Tyler and directed their Wealth Management Department. Ken's knowledge in the investment world spread far and wide. He was the honored guest speaker for renowned investment company Northern Trust's annual conference on his 50th birthday. This was an outstanding recognition of his integrity and his remarkable career of building stellar portfolios for his clients. Ken finally hung up his Panama hat with retirement from Texas Bank and Trust in 2015.
Ken's final retirement gifted him and Jacque the opportunity to travel. They visited many beautiful spots and cruised to many ports around the world. He had his "Red Ferrari" wheelchair which allowed them the freedom to move and see things near and far. He has loved being in the Tyler community and having his family close by. Ken was a private man who fought through many mobility challenges for the last 10 years but he continued to carry on. Ken was a member of Marvin Methodist Church since 1980.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Jneunese and Earl Goates, and brother John Goates. He is survived by his loving wife Jacqueline and their two children, Steven Troy Goates (Jill) of Tyler and daughter Jennifer Goates-Neal (Jimmy) of Tyler. He adored, loved and took great pride in his grandchildren Grant H. Goates Airman 1st Class, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, Gregory J. Goates, Dallas, Texas, Grayden W. Goates, Lubbock, Texas, and Katherine Elizabeth Neal of Tyler. Ken had two bonus grandchildren with Mackenzie Neal and Hunter Neal of Tipton, Missouri, and many cousins and clients from all over who loved him.
The family is eternally thankful for Sha'Retha Brooks and Nakita Abernathy for their dedicated care and compassion for Ken in his final months. The family also expresses gratitude to life long friends Mitzi Bjork, Amy Proctor, Sharon Nelson, Mary Irwin, sister-in-law Hazel Moore, and Jacque's dear friends the MahJong Mammas for their constant love during this time.
Services for Kenneth E. Goates will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Marvin Methodist Church Chapel with Dr. Doug Baker officiating, reception to follow.
If desired and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marvin Methodist Church Eternal Flame Fund, 300 West Erwin, Tyler, TX 75702; Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County, 3531 South Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701.