Formerly of Lepanto, he was a pharmacist, a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of the Church of God in Heber Springs.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Carolyn Devon Cates; two brothers, Paul and Glen Cates; and one sister, Reda Strickland.
Survivors include his wife, Delana Cates, to whom he was married 61 years; one brother, Wayne Cates of Trumann; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Tuesday, June 26 at Murphy Funeral Home in Lepanto with Huey Meherg officiating. Burial will follow at Potter Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Tommy Bunch, Johnny Bunch, Preston Bunch, Bowers Bunch, Tim Brown and Bryan Archer.
Memorials may be made to Potter Memorial Cemetery in Lepanto.


