John, you were a great friend, and entertained us with your stories and just your bubbly personality, we will still expect to see you in Puerto Vallarta. This journey is only a side trip. We will miss you, 
Andy and Graham

John was the first "Southern gentleman" I'd ever met, a combination of Vienna and Mississippi.  He had a generous heart, a winning smile and optimism, and quick enough wit to beat me easily.  He shared his appreciation of style and the nicer things in life with me and others.  He was kind and loving to my simple parents.  Our lives took different pathways, and miles and years separated us.  When he renewed our friendship 3 or 4 years ago, he was the same warm loving person I knew.  We corresponded until sometime after his diagnosis and then understandably it tapered off.  I am glad to see from other remembrances that his wonderful warm character carried on into the hardest part of his illness. I think in the world beyond he has livened things up.
     John was a main caretaker and friend of his longtime neighbor Marvin  who predeceased him by a few months.

Although I didn't know John well, he will be missed.  He was a good neighbor. 
Carol Gard

He was known to friends who grew up with him simply as "Johnny".  We had a lot of good times with his mom, Maude, at the library. He always loved new cars-flashy and big ones-and was always well dressed! Best Regards, Margaret (Wyatt) Mathis

John Cates, a truly remarkable man.  I met John in 1973 and he was my mentor as I started my career in banking with the State of Illinois.  We shared many work experiences, meals, and cocktails together. He had that Southern drawl and a sense of humor that made every one of his stories enjoyable.  My thoughts and prayers are with John and his family.

John was one-of-a-kind. His friends, neighbors and acquantenances will miss his humor and wit.

Thank you, Johnny, for making high school more bearable.

Our parents were best friends while we grew up  so we were friends for a lifetime.  John always had a funny story of his latest mis-adventure and I will remember his humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

John was one of our special friends from elementary school and high school in Vienna.  We are sorry not to be able to attend the "Sharing of special stories" because we have some great stories to tell about him!
Richard and Jeanne McKenzie
New Burnside, IL

In loving memory of an amazing, witty, friend and classmate.  John will be missed by many in the Vienna area.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I worked with John for many years.  He was always fun at work and took teasing well.  I am glad that he was my friend.  He used his gourmet cooking skills and invited me to dine at his condo.  We shared memories of growing up in S. IL, some of which were not good, but others that were.  We shared a lot of good times and cocktails.  Nice guy all around, good friend.  He will be sorely missed.

I am going to remember John the way he was the last time I saw him, which was his usual self - sincere, sweet, generous and with humor.  His kindness towards me and my family will never be forgotten.  His kind and loving spirit left joy in any room.  One of his favorite movies was "Being There" - and two quotes from that movie that he liked:  "Life is a state of mind."  "Being there is all of it." Indeed his unique sense of humor and loving spirit will remain on my mind.

We were classmates in high school & always had a lot of fun with him. My thoughts & prayers are with your family & friends. Rip John.

I met John when he was an examiner at our Bank many times and loved working with him. My favorite story was him coming into the Bank at lunch time with a Casey's drink in one hand and a sandwich in the other saying "Us State Examiners eat at some of the finest gas stations in the state of Illinois"  John always made me smile. He was a wonderful person.

I knew John when I worked as a salesman at Peoria Toyota.  I always appreciated his intelligence, wit, and sense of humor.  An outstanding individual who will truly be missed.

To the family of John: It was an absolute pleasure having had the opportunity to meet John and to be one of his caregivers at the Cancer Center. He became my "Thurston" and I his "Lovie", He always came in with a smile for me even when he did not feel well. I will treasure my memories of my "Thurston" his quick wit and deep down belly laugh. We had many conversations and I learned alot about him in the time I cared for him and he loved his family deeply you were so blessed. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this time.

     John and I were best friends alll through grade school and high school. I attended his fathers funeral; and knew his Mother quite well, as a friend and librarian in Vienna. Lost contact through military service and having lived in San Antonio for 35 years. Met him at one of our class reunions. Will miss him. My prayers to his family. Ron Noble

Prayer of support to the family.  VHS class of '65'

Prayers for the family, I went to high school with Johnny, he was always so much fu to be with. Patti Jobe.

OBITUARIO

John S. Cates

19 septiembre, 1946 – 18 marzo, 2013

Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel & Parkview Cemetery

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios