Goshen - Dean Michael Cates Sr. 86 passed away after a period of declining health at his home in Goshen on November 28, 2024, with his loving family beside him.

Dean was born October 23, 1938, in South Bend to the late Richard and Edna (Chandonia) Cates of Michigan. He attended the Niles School System. He was preceded in death by his late wife Bernice (Bea) Cates of Mishawaka, a brother Derrel Cates, and a sister Darlene Cates.

Dean was very compassionate and enjoyed do it yourself projects. He served in the US Army from October 1955 until October 1958.
He worked for Dodge Manufacturing, Royal Crown Cola and Chesty Potato Chips in the Teamsters Unions. He enjoyed playing guitar, and evenings at the Dodges Bowling Club.

Dean is survived by his wife Elydee (Dee) Cates of Goshen, son Dean M. (Jeannie) Cates of Niles MI, daughter Kari  (Byron) Maynard of Spring Hill FL, stepdaughter Sherri Berkholz, of Mayberry Florida, Joy Berkholz of St. Joe, MI, step son Scott Berkholz of Minnesota, twin brother Don Cates of Evansville IN, sister Dian (Danny) Rankin of Sulphur, OK, Richard (Dick) Cates of South Haven, MI, grandkids Melissa (Missy) Osler of South Bend IN, Dean III (Helen) Cates Jr. of Goshen IN, Melinda (Matthew) Kredit of Manhattan MT, Camela "Camey" (Alex) Philippou, of Edwardsburg MI, Miles (Maddie) Osler of Elkhart, IN, Pete Cates of Niles MI, Mariah (Jake) Duke of Mayberry FL, Maleaha Khan, of Lakeland FL, Zain Khan, of Plant City FL, and 10 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 6th at Chapel Hill Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM

The funeral service will be on Friday December 6th at 1:00 PM with Reverend Byron Maynard officiating at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN 46561.
The pallbearers will be Miles Osler, Dean Cates Jr, Alex Philippou, Byron Maynard, Dean Cates III, Pete Cates.

Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola IN.

Military honors will be conducted by the US Army and the VFW post 360.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the family for final expenses.