In Memory of

Lee

Roy

Cates

Jr

Obituary for Lee Roy Cates Jr

Lee Roy Cates
3/17/49-4/15/21

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
He is a Christian, so we know he’s In heaven and we’ll see him again. His departure was sudden and unexpected. He spent his final day as he had many others, helping his children by sharing his vast knowledge to help with various projects. He worked many years as a quality inspector and it was a career that suited him well. He had a thirst for knowledge throughout his life and never stopped learning new things. He deeply enjoyed discussing these discoveries with his children and grandchildren. He achieved his master’s degree from Southwestern in 2007 after years of college while working full time. He was also a certified acupuncturist. He could fix just about any vehicle and would for family or friends without hesitation, all the while claiming not to enjoy working on vehicles. He was a blacksmith and recently forged his own knife. He also was a beekeeper and a grape farmer. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and hiking with his family and panning for gold. He was looking forward to many camping trips this summer with Ginger, his wife of over 45 years. He was grateful for the Derby Public Library, Derby Plaza Theaters, and his group of coffee friends at the K-15 McDonalds. He was a veteran who proudly served his country during Vietnam. His favorite movie was The Lost Boys. His favorite songs were Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Let’s Stay Together by Al Green, and Tiptoe Through the Tulips by Tiny Tim. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and always encouraged them to share their talents. We wish Edgar Cayce would’ve predicted this. He was one of a kind and his loss is devastating, hug your loved ones.
The family would like to thank Mulvane EMS and fire and the Sumner county sheriff’s department.
In lieu of a memorial, please buy yourself a lotto ticket because that was his favorite game!