Donald R Cates

Donald Ray Cates, age 74, of Austin, passed away Friday April 1, 2016. He was born in Sikeston, Mo. to Albert and Maxine (House) Cates. Donald was well known for being a true family man. His love for each of them never wavered. Over the years, Donald enjoyed coon, squirrel, and rabbit hunting. Matter of fact, he was a true "Houndsman". Until retirement, Donald drove an 18 wheeler and made every mile count. He loved spending time outside gardening and with his animals. Donald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue; six children, Donnie Ray (Karen) Cates, Michael Lynn (Tanya) Cates, and Douglas Martin Cates all of Austin, Tracy Suzanne (Ronnie) Waymack, of Cabot, Jackie Donnette (Charles) Weeks of Beebe, and Shannon Leigh (Bill) Beard of Vilonia; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Tommy (Lana) Cates, Edwin (Darlene) Cates, and Randy Cates. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, J.C. Cates. Memorials may be made to Paws in Prison, c/o Arkansas Department of Correction, PO Box 8707, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71611. Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2016, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Butlerville Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.