David Michael "Dave" Cates

David "Dave" Michael Cates, 77, of Wadesville, Indiana, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at Bellaire Health Care Center in Largo, FL.
Dave was born in Evansville, Indiana on September 26, 1947 to the late Morton and Rovena (Vanover) Cates. He was a 1965 graduate of Bosse High School. After high school, Dave enlisted in the Army National Guard. He married the love of his life, Debra "Debi" Smith, in November of 1968 before being deployed to Vietnam with the Company D 151st Infantry (Indiana Rangers). Dave's tour spun over the course of two years, and his unit became the most decorated unit in Vietnam, receiving 101 Purple Hearts - Dave being the recipient of three. When he returned from the war, Dave went to work in human relations at Peter Healey because he could communicate with their large number of Vietnamese employees.
Dave moved to Atlanta to be a McDoanld's area manager. One of the locations Dave oversaw launched the first ever McDonald's breakfast. Dave and Debi returned to Evansville to start a family, welcoming their three children, Shannon, David II, and Amanda. In 1989, Dave acquired Evansville Hearing Aid Center and would go on to own and operate the company until 2015. The company still thrives today under the ownership of his daughter, Amanda.
Dave loved trap shooting. He won the national championship as coach of the USI trap shooting team. Dave was also the scribe and "Chief Hear All" of the Okoboji Indian Trap Shooting Association. He and Debi were inducted in the Trap Shooting Hall of Fame. Dave also coached baseball for over 20 years at St. Wendel Athletic Club. Dave was instrumental in the development of Evansville's Wish Upon a Star location, now known as Granted. He was a faithful member of Crossroads Christian Church and sang in the choir. In his free time, Dave enjoyed bowling; golfing; was a certified scuba instructor; and loved smoking pork chops for the Granted booth at the Fall Festival alongside his brother, Doug.
Above all, Dave loved his family. He was a man of great character, compassion, and selflessness. Dave's heart knew no bounds, and he always put others before himself. Whether it be Debi, his children, or his military ranger brothers, Dave sacrificed himself to benefit the ones he loved. Dave will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed.
Dave is survived by his daughters, Shannon Cates of Evansville, IN and Amanda Bennett (Brett Mattingly) of Wadesville, IN; son, David Michael Cates II (Jennifer Dalton) of Evansville, IN; sisters, Gayla Higgins (Don) of Owensboro, KY and Patricia Niswonger of Evansville, IN; brother, Douglas Cates (Marlene) of Largo, FL; grandchildren, Madison Cates, Evan Cates, and Kyndal Bennett; great-granddaughter, Taytum Cates; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his many military ranger brothers, especially his ranger 1-6 brothers, Dennis Engi and Mike Slabaugh.
Dave was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Debra "Debi" (Smith) Cates; parents; sister, Morta Riggs; and brother-in-law, Steve Niswonger.
A celebration of Dave's life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711. For those unable to attend, you may live stream Dave's service by going to www.browningfuneral.com/live-stream/newpage. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery where the Retired Veterans Memorial Club and Indiana National Guard will conduct military funeral honors.
Friends may visit from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Browning Funeral Home and again from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday.
The family would like to especially thank Dave's brother, Doug and his wife Marlene, as well as Dave's daughter, Amanda, for their loving and extraordinary care of Dave.
Memorial contributions may be made to Granted, 4445 Commerce St. Evansville, IN 47710.
Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.