Dale Cates

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Dale Emerson Cates, age 83, passed away at 7:05 am, Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home following an illness.

Dale was born October 3, 1941, in Joplin, Missouri. His parents were Elmer Ree and Alene (Archer) Cates. He was a lifetime area resident.

He graduated from Riverton KS High School in 1959. Dale entered the US Navy, serving from 1959 to 1962 where he served on the USS Buck during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Apostolic College in Baxter Springs, KS.

He was a machinist and worked several years at O & F Machine, Joplin, and at Williams Machine, Galena, KS.

Dale was a member of Lowell Friends Church, Lowell, KS. He enjoyed photography and making calendars. He used to play a lot of sports.

Dale was first married to Neville McDonald in 1965. Then on May 7, 1977, he married Diana King. She survives.

Additional survivors include two sons, Darrin D Cates, St Petersburg, Florida, and Drew Emerson Cates, Carl Junction, MO; two daughters, Shelly Jean Dunn (J.D.), Webb City, MO and Dawn Ellen Bright (Jason), Joplin, MO; two brothers, Dennis Cates, Olathe, KS, and Bill Cates, Galena, KS; one sister, Sue Ketchum (Marty), Broken Arrow, OK; and 5 grandchildren, Keyvin Dunn, Kelsey Dunn, Helen Bright, Trajan Bright, and Cadence Bright.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Lowell Friends Church, Lowell, KS. The burial will be in Lowell Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 -11:00 am Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Lowell Friends Church.