Sad news

[Esther]

I think that a few of you may have known Steven Kennon and Billy Bates from way back. They at one time were active in collecting waterlily seeds I think. Sean may have known them.

Billy Bates passed away and Steven is in the hospital. 

That info was wrong about the ecard.
Just called The Med in Memphis and they don't have the ability to do an ecard. Phooey. Steve is in room D524. The Med 877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, Tn. 38103

[tootsie]

How sweet of you Esther for giving us this information
Tootsie

[jclements]

I met them both at Kit and Ben's open garden about 5 years ago. It was a pleasure trading with them and corresponding by email. So sad to hear this news. What happened?

[maryvonne]

 Very sad news. Billy sent me some lotus seeds a few years ago. I'm sorry to hear this too and hope Steven is going to be Ok.

Maryvonne

[Sean]

It is very sad news indeed.
I have also known the boys quite well over the years.
Suffice it to say that my good friend Marie has spoken to Steven in person by telephone and the local news has it all wrong. Please do not make any assumptions, I am sure Steve is overwhelmed right now.
My best goes to Steve and his speedy recovery both physically and mentally.

I will miss Billy and know he is in a better place.

Cheers,
Sean

[Mikey]

I met Billy & Steven a few years ago in North Carolina as did Esther, Kristin and several others from JBs.  Both men were characters.  Billy loved animals and they had a house full of them.  Billy has been suffering from various medical related problems but even so his death came as quite a shock considering the last time I saw him he was so full of life. 

[Esther]

Just called The Med in Memphis and they don't have the ability to do an ecard. Phooey. Steve is in room D524. The Med 877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, Tn. 38103

Yes, I received info from Steve and Billy's neighbor and then contacted Marie to let her know. She then called Steven. His hand and wrist will need surgery.

Just learned Steven has been released to go home so I'll find out if it is OK to give out his snailmail address or email and then if you want it, PM me.

[PondmaninAL]

I never met them but had ordered seeds from them. It is always sad to lose someone but in some religions, it's a day of celebration.

[Esther]

Just heard from Steven and he "checked" himself out of the hospital because he felt he needed to take care of things at home first. But he is doing well physically, emotionally, not so well.

[Marie Fisher]

Steve would welcome phone calls, etc., I'm sure in few days. Right now he is
somewhat overwhelmed, which is very understandable.  visitation will be at
Glenfield Memorial Funeral Home in New Albany tomorrow (Sunday) between
4 and 8.  Then funeral services are in Union, Ms. (near Meridian) Monday. 
Steve needs to heal; both physically and mentally.  Sincerely hope none of
you have to ever go through losing your husband or wife; it is about the most
traumatic thing that can happen to you.  It hurts to lose a parent;nothing like
what it does to lose your "other half" tho.  It will take a long time for  Steve to
heal;  I think we just need to stand by as  friends. 

Marie Fisher