Bob L. Cates

Born December 7, 1941 in Fairfield to Frank and Ruby (Meritt) Cates, he married Bonnie Lynn Tosi on February 12, 1977 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Shawn Cates of Florida and Anthony Tosi Cates of Pekin; one daughter, Colette (David) Huskisson of Pekin; one step-daughter, Gina (Greg) Bivens of Tremont; five grandchildren, Nicholas Berardi, Katana Van Roekel, Keaton Cates, Jersey Cates and Hunter Huskisson; two great-grandchildren, Dominick Berardi and Lilly Berardi and one sister, Jane (Bert) Engelkes of Fairfield. He also leaves two daughters-in-law, Julie Berardi and Jamie Cates, both of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one step-son, Troy Berardi; one granddaughter, Chanel Berardi; one brother, Vernon Cates and one sister, Marjorie Eaton.

A United States Marine Corps veteran, he attained the rank of corporal. He was a member of William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin.

A man with an impeccable work ethic, Bob worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years retiring in 1994. He also had worked in the oil fields in Fairfield. He was a retired member of UAW Local 974.

Bob was a coin collector, enjoyed metal detecting and mushroom hunting. He also was an avid reader and history buff. He was a chocolate lover and an animal lover who never turned away a stray, including his rescue dog, Wags.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps and Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com