George "Gene" E. Cates

George Eugene “Gene” Cates was born on Sunday, April 25, 1943, in Ottawa, Kansas. He was the son of George M. and Verla (Greenfield) Cates. A near lifelong resident, Gene made his home in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas, until his death on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at the age of sixty-six years. Gene attended Ottawa Schools and two years in Holden High School, Holden, Missouri. In the 1960’s, he was a foreman for Coca Cola in Lenexa, Kansas. In the 1970’s and early 1980’s, he worked as a finish carpenter and farmed with his father-in-law. Gene acquired his real estate license in the early 1980’s and was a real estate agent with Crown Realty for over twenty years. On Saturday, June 3, 1978, Gene was united in marriage with Judy Steward in her parent’s house in the Centropolis, Kansas area. He was a member of the Ottawa Country Club, where he was an avid golfer. Gene was deeply devoted to his family. He looked forward to family gatherings and spending time with the grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and caring for their horses. For many years, he and Judy traveled and participated in many horse shows. He also enjoyed his real estate career and made friends with many of his clients. Gene is survived by his wife, Judy, and three children, Ray Cates and his wife, Samra, of Overland Park, Kansas, Terri Hook and her husband, Rex, of Ottawa, Kansas, Bryon Cates and his wife, LaVon, of Pomona, Kansas; brother, Ken Cates and his wife, Cherlyn, of LaQuinta, California; sister, Shirley Coffman and her husband, Albert, of Ottawa, Kansas; and six grandchildren, Laura Cates, Garrett Cates, Ethan Cates, Sarah Hook, Cody Cates and Jessica Cates. He is preceded in death by his parents. SERVICES: Memorial Services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2009. IN STATE: Cremation is planned. Family will meet with friends from 2:00 to 3:00 Sunday afternoon at the Mortuary. CEMETERY: Inurnment at Union Cemetery, near Centropolis, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Ransom Memorial Hospital Building Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.