Obituary of Willis Iver Cates

Willis Iver Cates, 94, of West Plains, Missouri, died Monday, May 21, 2018, at North Howell County Nursing Center in West Plains.

Mr. Cates, son of Grover Cleveland and Sara (Adams) Cates, was born May 12, 1924, in Warm Springs, Arkansas. He was retired military serving in the U. S. Army and was a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  Upon retirement he drove a semi truck for 20 years.  Mr. Cates enjoyed shooting pool and outdoor bonfires and he especially loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are 11 children:  Richard Cates of Salzburg, Austria, Janis (Ray) Steele of Scottsville, Kentucky, Mikes Cates, Bob Cates, Mendy (Kenny) Reece and Randy (Donna) Cates, all of Doniphan, Missouri, Vicki (Rick) Nelson of Supply, Arkansas, Angie Taylor of Malden, Missouri, Crystal (Jimmy) Kraft of Port Ritchey, Florida, Willis Cates, Jr., Marble Hill, Missouri, and Blake Cates of West Plains; 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and 1 sister, Ada Brown of Doniphan.

Mr. Cates was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, William Cates, Auther Cates, and Avon Cates; and 3 sisters, Thelma Lassiter, Nila Beal and Ila Sue Bennett.

Visitation will begin at noon Friday, May 25, 2018, at the Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan.  The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Brother Alan Wilson officiating.  Burial will be in the Johnston Chapel Cemetery.