Joseph Edwin "Joe" Cates

Joseph Edwin "Joe" Cates passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, Feb. 24, 2016. Mr. Cates was 84 years old. Memorial service: 1 p.m. Saturday in the sanctuary of Arlington Heights United Methodist Church, 4200 Camp Bowie Blvd. Joe will be laid to rest privately in Greenwood Memorial Park. A reception for family and friends will be held at Shady Oaks Country Club, 320 Roaring Springs Road, immediately following the memorial service. Memorials: If you wish to honor Joe, please consider Arlington Heights United Methodist Church or Ronald McDonald House. Born March 19, 1931 in Krum, Joe was the son of W.R. "Bill" and Mary Ann "Mamie" Hughes Cates. The family moved to the Oak Grove community where Joe was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church. After graduating from Decatur High School, Joe attended Dallas Baptist College and was an active Navy reservist. He graduated with a BBA from Texas Christian University in 1959. In 1960, Joe entered a partnership along with Melvin Haas and Jack Roach and formed Skyline Industries, Inc., an aerospace manufacturing firm operating in Fort Worth. The partnership remained intact for more than 50 years. The Cates, Haas and Roach families have enjoyed these many years with love, support and friendship. Joe was preceded in death by both partners; Melvin died in 2006 and Jack died in 2012. Joe retired in 2008 when Skyline sold to Goodrich Industries. Joe was on the board of directors and served as president at Shady Oaks Country Club. He also served on the board of directors at Ridglea Country Club, where he held continuous membership since 1959. An avid golfer, Joe and for many years was considered the golf rules "guru" at Shady Oaks. He was also partly responsible for designing the first graphite golf shaft. Joe was a loving husband and father, and a good friend to many. He will be sorely missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Betty Jean Hill and Mary John Fleming. Survivors: In addition to his wife of 41 years, Shay, Joe is survived by his children, Joseph Cates Jr. and wife, Marianne, Patti Cates Montague and husband, Jene, Michael Cates and Melanie Cates-Clapp; grandchildren, Jordan Montague, Jason Montague, Lauren Cates, Maxwell Cates, Trey Cates and Madison Clapp; great-grandson, Dylen Montague; brother, W.R. "Billy Bob" Cates Jr.; and dear nieces, nephews and other extended family members.