Donald Michael Cates, Sr.

Donald Michael Cates, Sr., age 86, of Evansville, IN, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Donald was born October 23, 1938, in South Bend, IN, to Richard and Edna Cates. He served four years in the United States Air Force as  a specialist weapons mechanic. From there, he was in construction and stone work for over sixty years. Donald enjoyed his kids, but he really enjoyed his grandkids and fur baby grandkids. He enjoyed watching his westerns. Donald was the most hard working, caring, loving husband, father and grandpa in the world. He will be loved and missed by so many.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Donna French (Tom) of Englewood, CO, Tonya Williams (Stoy), Edna Morris (Robert) of Evansville, IN, and April Nichols (Mike) of Alabama; daughter-in-law, Theresa Abel of Evansville, IN; sons, David Bullington (Pat) of Jasper, IN, Tracy of Evansville, IN, Ricky Cates (Rhonda) of Florida, and Donnie Cates (Sharon) of Montana; 23 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 12 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Donald is preceded in death by his wife Ruby; son, Jimmy; and daughter, Susie.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, with Pastor Kris Holzmeyer officiating. Burial will be in Alexander Cemetery in Patronville, IN.

Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit www.boonefuneralhome.net, select Donald’s obituary, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Live Stream.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Vanderburgh Humane Society, 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN, 47710.

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Donald Cates. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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