Charles T. Cates

Charles Theodore ‘Chuck’ Cates, age 88, of Lake St Louis, MO – formerly of Rockwood, IL peacefully took his last breath at home with family, and his first one in Heaven on Wednesday September 11th, 2024. Chuck was a Christian and believer in Jesus. He attended Berean Christian Church, now known as United In Faith Christian Church while living in IL. Shortly before moving to Missouri, he re-dedicated his life to His Savior, having been baptized by his grandson, Tyler, on Nov 1, 2020. He then went on to study the Word at Avalon Senior Living in Cottleville, MO with fellow neighbors.
 Chuck was born December 25, 1935 in Fairfield, Illinois. He was 1 of 7 children born to Joseph Lester Cates and Nola (Davis) Cates. On December 29, 1956 he married the love of his life Velma ‘Beanie’ Cates. Chuck was a proud Veteran of the United States Army. He bravely served two tours on the front line, as a combat engineer and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. In October 2019, along with this granddaughter Rachel, Chuck was able to participate in the Honor Flight of Southern Illinois flight #6 out of Marion, IL. Touring our nation’s capital and war memorials brought them both much joy. 
He worked at Gilster Mary-Lee in Steeleville IL for many years, retiring the first time in 2012 only to stay on part-time until fully retiring in 2014. He was known in his community to be a jack of all trades, and a master of many. He gladly helped his neighbors with numerous projects and acknowledged the call to care for widows. Chuck also served as a Trustee on the Degonia Township Board for decades and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 0127 in Murphysboro, IL. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, gardening and watching hummingbirds buzz around his and Beanie’s patio. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed. 
Chuck is survived by a daughter - Connie (Elmer) Hill of Gilbert, AZ and a son Charles D (Wendy) Cates of Huntingdon, TN. 6 Grandchildren - Clayton (Stephanie) Cates of Xenia, OH; Tyler (Melinda) Cates of Festus, MO; Rachel (Kevin) Matteson of Lake St Louis, MO; Logan Mueller of Murphysboro, IL; Levi and Cody Cates both of Huntingdon, TN. 11 Great-Grandchildren - Ruby Cates, Lyla Matteson, Ella Grace Matteson, Satyanna Cates, Conar Cates and Braelynn Mueller. - Sydney Matteson, Kiefer Matteson, Zachary (Kaylee) Holmes, Lauryn Holmes and Madison Holmes. 5 siblings – William ‘Bill’ Cates of Carmi, IL, Calvin Cates of Mantachie, MS, Larry (Marlene) Cates of Logansport, IN, Gary (Mary) Cates of Carmi, IL and Jolene (Larry) Hucker of Niceville, FL. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Beanie, his parents and his sister Corrine Hardin.

 Visitation for Chuck will be on Monday September 16, 2024 at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway, IL from 11 AM to 12 PM. His funeral service will immediately follow with Tyler Cates presiding. Chuck will then be laid to rest in the Union Ridge Cemetery in New Haven, IL.