Jack Stephen Cates

Jack Stephen Cates, 81, of Winslow, IN passed away on August 3, 2025 at Memorial Hospital in Jasper. He was born October 13, 1943 in Evansville, IN to the late William “Wally” and Veeda Mae Cates. Jack married the love of his life, D’Vonna “Buttons” Cates, April 17, 1965. He retired as Vice President of Sales from Jasper Rubber in 2005 after 43 years. Jack was a past President member of Junior Chamber, where he was involved with the community. He enjoyed making the best haunted house displays. Jack was known for getting donors to help the Winslow baseball fields and shelters. He will also be remembered for his past achievements in go-kart racing. Jack would travel to places near and far, even brought home the 1971 Regional Championship. He loved sitting on the porch telling his sons how to mow the yard, golfing, and watching NASCAR races. Jack was a creature of habit; he would always eat the same meal from Double R’s religiously for the past 40 years. In younger years he would spend time tending to garden and fishing. Jack always accepted people for who they were without prejudice or judgement. He had a big soft heart that cared for all around him. Jack is loved dearly and will be missed deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Gary Cates and Mike Cates.

Jack is survived by his wife of 60 years, Buttons Cates; children, J. Kelly Cates (Ragia), Kirt Cates (Honey), and Lee Jay Cates (Leah); grandchildren, Mallory Cates, Brooklyn Reavis, Taylor Cates Onyett, Jaquelyn Cates, Elizabeth Cates, Jaymon Cates, Michael Cates, Stone Cates, Zakk Cates, Ali Lester, and Farah Elshapine; great-grandchildren, Brynna Grayce Thompson, Sawyor Thompson, Wyatt Thompson, Tucker Thompson, Sophia Poselwait, Noah Poselwait, Liam Poselwait, Alex Ray Reavis, River Mosly, Adam Onyett, Lilly Onyett and Gavin Onyett; siblings, Sandy Coffee, Ted Cates (Peggy), and Bob Cates (Michelle); sister-in-law, Dianna Hume; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 12:30 PM CST (1:30 PM EST) Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Corn-Colvin Funeral Home in Oakland City with Pastor Tuffy Jerry Blackwell officiating. A graveside will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Winslow. Visitation will be held Thursday 9:00 AM CST (10:00 AM EST) at the funeral home until service time.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You may also send someone you love a flower.

Condolences may be offered and memories shared at ColvinFuneralHome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cates family.

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