David Lee Cates

David Lee Cates, 77, of Mansfield, Texas passed away unexpectedly January 21, 2025. David was born in Collinsville, Illinois to JB Cates and Rose Cimiotta. He graduated from Collinsville High School in 1965. He entered the Army and served his country for 30 years, ending his military career as Garrison Command Sergeant Major at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 

David was proceeded in death by both parents, as well as his brother James Cates, his nephew Patrick Cates and nieces Linda Grywacz-Schwarz and Melissa Cates Dalton. His beautiful daughter Dorit Anne was also waiting in heaven to greet him when he arrived.

 He leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Marianne (Grant) his sons Jay B Cates ( Guadalupe) and Scott Cates, his step daughters Christina Miller (Michael) and Amy Proctor, grandchildren- Xabier Cates (Shelby Griffin), Valerie Cates, David Cates, Amberly Taylor, Ceara Keller and Ross Keller, Kendall Rodriguez, Dominic Rodriguez and Gabrielle Proctor. David also has 5 great grandchildren Nicholas Evans, CJ Evans, Ladarrian Taylor, Grace Ann Taylor and Bayleigh Elise Cates. David is also survived by his brother Charles Cates and his sister Charlotte Gryzwacz both of Illinois as well as his nieces and nephews all of who he loved very much.

A visitation will be held to pay respects at Blessing Funeral Home, Mansfield Texas Feb 5th 5-7 pm. Funeral and military honors will be held at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery February, 6 at 1:00 pm. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early per cemetery requirements.