(From Derfelt Funeral Home)Dan William "Bill" Cates, age 76 of Galena, passed away at 4:20 AM on Monday, October 27th, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO.
Bill was born in Joplin, MO on March 24th, 1949 to the union of Elmer Ree Cates and Alene (Archer) Cates. He graduated from Riverton High School with the Class of 1967, and later attended Pittsburg State University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Education in 1973.
Bill began working as a math teacher for Galena USD 499 where he spent his entire career teaching junior high and high school math courses. He is fondly remembered by friends, students, and coworkers as an incredibly kind man who will be greatly missed. In his free time, he enjoyed watching Chiefs Football and Jayhawk Basketball. He spent a great deal of time at his favorite fishing spots, and never missed an opportunity to spend time with family.
He is survived by one daughter, Britany Gadelha (husband, Carlos) of Joplin, MO; three sons, Brandon Cates of the home; Benjamin Cates (wife, Vaimiti) of Eugene, OR; and Brenton Cates of Austin, TX; one brother, Dennis Cates of Olathe, KS; one sister, Sue Ketchum (Marty), Broken Arrow, OK; five grandchildren, Ava Rodriguez, Aiden Rodriguez, Teauroa Cates, Sofia Rodriguez, and Temahana Cates.
He is survived by one daughter, Britany Gadelha (husband, Carlos) of Joplin, MO; three sons, Brandon Cates of the home; Benjamin Cates (wife, Vaimiti) of Eugene, OR; and Brenton Cates of Austin, TX; one brother, Dennis Cates of Olathe, KS; one sister, Sue Ketchum (Marty), Broken Arrow, OK; five grandchildren, Ava Rodriguez, Aiden Rodriguez, Teauroa Cates, Sofia Rodriguez, and Temahana Cates.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Elmer and Alene Cates; and one brother, Dale Cates.
A Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 3rd, 2025 at the Galena High School Performing Arts Center, followed by the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM. Benjamin Cates will be conducting with Pastor Doug Melugin providing a spiritual message. Pallbearers serving will be Drew Cates, Brandon Cates, Benjamin Cates, Brenton Cates, Bryan Cates-Hardiman, and Braden Cates-Hardiman. Burial will follow at Lowell Cemetery, rural Baxter Springs, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Galena Education Foundation (GEF) Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.
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