Bill Cates, age 76, of Clinton, went to join our Lord on November 12, 2017.
Billie Don Cates was born on March 23, 1941, in Peron, Arkansas to John and Cleeta ‘Breashears’ Cates.
Bill is survived by his wife Janet McCombs Cates, sons, Jaime Don (Cindy), Clinton, MO, Travis Don (Donna), Troy, Alabama, & John Ryan (Tessa), Springfield, MO.
Bill was a loving grandfather to Austin, Christian, Hunter, Eden, Taylor, Jesse, Tacy, Jack and Jovi. He is survived, also, by his best friend and Christian mentor, Leroy Goodwin.
Bill lived in many towns in his early years. His family settled in Clinton, where he graduated from Clinton High School. Following graduation in 1959, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and was stationed in California for training. He then spent most of his years of service in Vietnam.
Bill married Janet Rae McCombs on November 12, 1977 in Burbank, California.
Always a lover of the outdoors, Bill enjoyed trips to the Colorado River for camping, fishing and water skiing. He was also an avid hunter and a Glendale, CA, gun club member. In 1980 Bill and his family moved to Clinton, MO to open Cates Sportsman’s Center near Truman Lake. They loved wildlife and raised orphaned birds, many squirrels, a raccoon and even an opossum.
A Black Lab always accompanied Bill to work, home and hunting trips.
Bill will be deeply missed by his loved ones and friends.
A Graveside service will be held at Englewood Cemetery on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 1:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Henry County Memory Fund and left in care of Consalus Funeral Home, 209 S. 2nd, Clinton, MO 64735.