Willard M. Cates

Willard M. Cates, 97, of Covington passed away Sunday August 22, 2021 at 10:45 A. M. in his home with his family present.  He was born to Robert M. Cates and Bessie (Summers) Cates on a farm in Cates, IN on March 24, 1924 with his twin brother Millard F. Cates.

Willard was a World War II Army veteran with 1284th Combat Engineers, in Europe and later in the Philippines until the war ended.   He worked for the Nickle Plate Railroad fifteen years.  Then he became a machinist at Hurletron Corporation in Danville, IL, retiring in 1988 after thirty-three years of service.

Willard was married to Ruth M. Shelley of Veedersburg February 2, 1948 until her death May 29, 1999 from cancer.  He then married Betty Haga of Kingman, IN September 29, 2001.  He was preceded in death by a son Ronald M. Cates, a grandson Bradley M. Cates, and a granddaughter Lisa M. Cates.

He is survived by his wife Betty, a son Robert (Jane) Cates, both of Covington, a daughter-in-law Linda Cates of West Lebanon, IN, three step-daughters Karen (Dale) Howard, Julie Haga, and Becky Haga, all of Kingman, IN.

Also surviving are three grandsons, Brian Cates, Travis (Tiffany) Cates, and Brandon Cates, two granddaughters, Ronnette (Johnny) Lape, Heather (Robert) Inman; step-grandson Matt Howard, two step-granddaughters Katie (Justin) Krout, and Ashley Benscheider.

Visitation 4:00 to 7:00 P. M. Tuesday August 24, 2021 at Covington First Baptist Church.  Funeral services at 11:00 A. M. Wednesday August 25, 2021 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Andy Harkleroad officiating.  Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery with military honors by the Army and Veedersburg American Legion Post #288.

Memorials requested to the First Baptist Church.  Shelby Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Condolences to the family: www.shelbyfuneralhome.com .

First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church