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BORN
1925
DIED
2017
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Ernest Cates Obituary
Ernest "Ernie" Calvin Cates, 92, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017.
He was born on March 7, 1925 to John T. and Ora E. Cates in Louisville. Masonic member at Plumb Lodge #862 F&AM, and along with his wife Mary, would volunteer at Dare to Care and Jefferson St. Chapel. He was a member of West Broadway Baptist Church.
He proudly served in the US Navy as an aviation radioman during WWII.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Arvin E. and Tommy Cates, sister Mary Evelyn Cates and half-brothers, James E. and Bob Ice and half-sister, Mabel Hornbuckle, and his granddaughter, Julie Evans.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary H. Cates; daughters, Bonny Evans and Karen Cates Wilder; four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.
A Celebration honoring Ernie's life will be Friday, August 4, 2017 at 2 pm, Arch L. Heady Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd.
Visitation is Thursday, August 3, 2017 from 3 to 8 pm at the funeral home.
Memorials to West Broadway Baptist Church are appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Cates
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
August 4, 2017
Ernie Cates was a dear, dear friend and second father to me. His family and my family ( Joe E Hampton Jr.) spent many,many years going to church together and even vacationing together! That says a lot about a man. The friendship I witnessed that Ernie and Mary had with my Mom and Dad (Doris&Joe Hampton) was a beautiful thing to see!! A deep friendship that started when they were teens right up to the passing of my parents in early 1980's.
Then sweet Ernie and Mary stepped in to be my adopted parents. Being there for me all through my life,and even becoming "special " grandparents to my 2 sons...now in their early 30's, who still call him "Grandpa Ernie" ! My sons never knew their real Maternal Grandparents who died before they were born, BUT they sure knew and LOVED Ernie and Mary...and felt deeply loved in return.
Our family will miss Ernie very much for many reasons however, we feel great Joy knowing he is in his new heavenly home worshipping Jesus, His Lord and Savior. The same Lord he has served his whole life.
Debby Hampton Cox (Atlanta,GA.)
Janice Jaggers
August 4, 2017
Mary and Ernie were my children's Sunday school teachers at Melbourne Heights Baptist. Jill and John both loved them and learned much from being under their care. They were there for everyone if a need arose. Mary and family we are sorry for your loss, but know that you know where he is today. Much love to the family.
Bridget Hommrich
August 3, 2017
Ernie and Mary have been neighbors to my Mother and Father for over 18 years. He is one of the kindness, happy, and most enjoyable people to be around I have ever known. Both he and Mary are always upbeat and positive and hard working to keep everything looking so nice. Ernie - I appreciate all you have done throughout the years and now is your time to rest and enjoy eternal happiness. He will be missed and rest in peace.
Cathy Heckel
August 2, 2017
I loved Mr. Ernie so much. He voice was such a loud and happy one. I loved to hear him sing when the Jolly Elder choir would sing at church. Growing up I always thought of him a such a loving and kind father figure. I have missed seeing he and Mary here at Carlisle, and I think of them so often. I know he is now at the feet of Christ and oh so happy. I don't think I know of any better Christian man than him, and it was a blessing to have known him.
Kathy Bowling
August 1, 2017
Ernie was my brother-law and what a wonderful man. If you ever needed any thing he would be there to help. Our family loved him very much. Whenever we had family functions him and Mary were always there. He will be greatly missed. Our family was blessed to have such a wonderful man in our lives. God bless his family.
Teresa Sanders
July 31, 2017
What a blessing it has been for me to know and love Ernie this past year. The love he shared with Mary was such a beautiful thing to witness and I know she will cherish it for the rest of her days. Ernie was one of those people that everyone wanted to be with and talk to. He loved the Lord and I'm looking forward to singing with him in the Heavenly Choir someday. I'll miss his voice singing behind me in service but know he's looking down on all of us with his smile and love.
Love,Teresa
Matthew Ch 25 v 23
His Master replied: "well done,good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things: I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your Master!
July 31, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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Memorial Events
for Ernest Cates
Aug
3
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Arch L. Heady at Resthaven & Resthaven Memorial Park4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218
Aug
4
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Arch L. Heady at Resthaven & Resthaven Memorial Park4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218
Funeral services provided by:
Arch L. Heady at Resthaven & Resthaven Memorial Park4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218
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