Obituary for Jerry Don Cates
Funeral services for Jerry Cates, 73, of Eustace, are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2021 at In The Red Ranch near Eustace with Bro. Jonathan Lilley officiating.
Mr. Cates passed away in the presence of his loving family on January 12, 2021 in Eustace.
Jerry Don Cates was born October 17, 1947 in Dallas, the son of Casey Cates and Lena Pearl (Molen) Kearney. He proudly served his country in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. He spent his career as a fireman/EMS and retired as a captain from the University Park Fire Department after 33 years. Jerry was a rancher and devoted his time raising Santa Gertrudis “God’s cattle” and was a longtime member of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International #8712. “Old Dad” loved everyone he met, touched so many lives and especially loved taking care of his family; attending every possible activity his grandbabies took part in.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Travis Stone Cates; granddaughter, Calley Ann Pitchford; brother Bobby Cates and brothers-in-law, RM Rose and Tommy Reeder.
Survivors include wife, Patricia Cates of Eustace; children, Michael Cates and wife Jodie of Eustace, Shana Pitchford and husband Darrell of Athens; siblings, Betty Sweetman and husband Raymond of Canton, Sarah Lee Rose of Rowlett, Becky Pierce of Texarkana, Tommy Kearney and wife Tammy of Ponder; grandchildren, Abbie Cates, Sadie Cates, Cooper Cates, Casey Pitchford and wife Bri, Gracey Pitchford; great grandchild, Oakley Cate Pitchford; brothers and sisters-in-law, Susan and Ray Clark, Sally and Michael Richmond, Jimmy Reeder; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be Casey Pitchford, Cooper Cates, Esteban “Frito” Corpus, “Tuny” Garcia, Alvin Potts, Joe Castillo, Buddy Hurst and Shane Schindler. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Oates and Buddy Kinamon.
A visitation will be held Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 2-5:00 p.m. at In The Red Ranch (11701 CR 2502, Eustace, Texas 75124) following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Travis Stone Cates Memorial Scholarship Fund at First State Bank of Athens.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.
Mr. Cates passed away in the presence of his loving family on January 12, 2021 in Eustace.
Jerry Don Cates was born October 17, 1947 in Dallas, the son of Casey Cates and Lena Pearl (Molen) Kearney. He proudly served his country in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. He spent his career as a fireman/EMS and retired as a captain from the University Park Fire Department after 33 years. Jerry was a rancher and devoted his time raising Santa Gertrudis “God’s cattle” and was a longtime member of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International #8712. “Old Dad” loved everyone he met, touched so many lives and especially loved taking care of his family; attending every possible activity his grandbabies took part in.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Travis Stone Cates; granddaughter, Calley Ann Pitchford; brother Bobby Cates and brothers-in-law, RM Rose and Tommy Reeder.
Survivors include wife, Patricia Cates of Eustace; children, Michael Cates and wife Jodie of Eustace, Shana Pitchford and husband Darrell of Athens; siblings, Betty Sweetman and husband Raymond of Canton, Sarah Lee Rose of Rowlett, Becky Pierce of Texarkana, Tommy Kearney and wife Tammy of Ponder; grandchildren, Abbie Cates, Sadie Cates, Cooper Cates, Casey Pitchford and wife Bri, Gracey Pitchford; great grandchild, Oakley Cate Pitchford; brothers and sisters-in-law, Susan and Ray Clark, Sally and Michael Richmond, Jimmy Reeder; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be Casey Pitchford, Cooper Cates, Esteban “Frito” Corpus, “Tuny” Garcia, Alvin Potts, Joe Castillo, Buddy Hurst and Shane Schindler. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Oates and Buddy Kinamon.
A visitation will be held Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 2-5:00 p.m. at In The Red Ranch (11701 CR 2502, Eustace, Texas 75124) following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Travis Stone Cates Memorial Scholarship Fund at First State Bank of Athens.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.