Eugene Lee Cates

Eugene L. Cates, age 76, of Caseyville, IL, born on February 22, 1948, in East St. Louis, IL, died on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Highland Heath Care, Highland, IL.

Gene served honorably as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He worked as a diesel mechanic and also worked at Robertson’s Farm Supply, Crown Foods and last at Aggreko Supply.  Gene loved to fish, hunt and tinker, repairing small engine lawn mowers and cars, and not charging for repairs.  He was a loving husband, dad and grandpa and enjoyed making his family laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Avon and Arlene, nee Hensley Cates; and his sister, Effie Mae French.

Gene is survived by his wife, Monica D. Cates, nee Cissell; his sons, David E. (Lesley) Cates of Troy, IL, Matthew J. (Kimberly) Cates of Collinsville, IL, Jacob A. (Mindy) Cates of Sullivan, MO, and Joseph C. (Rachel) Cates of Collinsville, IL; 12 grandchildren, Katie, Andrew, Kolten, Brett, Taylor, Cole, Jacob Jr., Josh, Ethan, Joseph Jr., Shelly and Jemma; his great-granddaughter, Everleigh; his brother, Ernie Cates of Grant Fork, IL; and his sister, Elaine Villegas of Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Siteman Cancer Center.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

A Private Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO, at a later date.

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