Cover photo for Bobby Lee Cates's Obituary
Bobby Lee Cates Profile Photo
1941 Bobby 2013

Bobby Lee Cates

May 23, 1941 — December 13, 2013

Bobby Lee Cates, born on 23 May 1941 to Maurice Lee Cates and Dorothy Elaine Harris/Cates, (both deceased) in Okmulgee, OK. He had a brother, Jerry Lee Cates, (now departed) and a sister, Patricia Elaine Cates/Stonebarger. Bobby, now was saved, went to be with our Lord on 13 Dec. 2013 at 10:50 pm while in Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes, MN. Bobby attended school in Muskogee, OK and was in the school band at Central High. He and three of his friends formed a rock-n-roll band called The Capris and even performed on the Dick Clark's Bandstand program in Philadelphia, PA. The band cut two records. They were all drafted. Bobby served in the Army and was honorably discharged on 2 Feb. 1961: he was called up from the Army inactive Reserve unit he was in. Not wanting to go back into the Army, he went to an Air Force Recruiter who swore him into the Air Force where he remained until his honorable discharge in 1987. Bobby married Jacqueline Suddarth and they had three children: Bryan Lee, Maurica Kay, and Patricia Elaine. Bobby and Jackie were divorced and Bobby then was a single parent to his two girls as Bryan was in the Navy. Bobby met Karen with the help of her daughter, Maureen and his two girls who were friends and teammates on a Little League softball team. The girls were busy being matchmakers. Karen also has a son, Craig who was thrilled to have such an honorable father image in his life. Bobby and Karen married in Tampa, FL. On 29 Feb. 1980 with all their extended families and all the kids except Bryan. Bobby picked the day as he said he was going to last longer in Karen's life than any other man, and he did! Bobby was with the Judge Advocate Unit and had a distinguished career performing such tasks as court recorder, air craft accident investigator and adjudicating claims for the Air Force. Before retiring, Bobby achieved the rank he set his sights on and that was Master Sergeant. While retired from the service, Bobby worked for and represented his employer, a moving company in Tampa, FL. And then established a company at home he called Resource Protection in which he reclaimed funds from the very services he was aligned with while in the armed forces. Bobby is survived by his wife, Karen, their children Bryan, Maurica, Patty, Maureen, and Craig; his sister Pat Stonebarger, nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; cousin Carol Luchtel; and many friends and co-workers. Master Sergeant Bobby Lee Cates will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, (The Lord be with you Sergeant Cates): no viewing is planned and cards of condolence may be sent to the family at 119 5th St NE, Frazee, MN 56544. No flowers as Arlington does not allow them.
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