We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Cates. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gary and family.

Hi Sally, I was so sorry to hear about uncle Don. Mom would talk of him alot. She was so proud of him, as she was all 3 of her brother. I wish I could have known his Boys. I think the guest book you have put on FB is really nice, Love the pic.  Bette. Love & prayers to all

I was fortunate enough to work for Les in the early 1980s, and learned many things from him, ranging from auto repair to how people should be treated . Les was truly one of the most the talented people I have ever known, with skills ranging from scuba diving , photography, and auto repair. He was also tolerant of the behavior and activities of  Wayne,Jerry, myself, and the rest of the Cutler Boys, even though we tried his patience at times. I doubt I will ever know anyone like him again. He has gone to a better place , but will be missed by many of us who are still here.

Dear Gary,
Extending deepest sympathy for you and your family's loss.
And praying, too that comfort and peace may come to you.
Warmest Regards,
Alba Melgar-C'De Baca

I have known Les since the early 1970's, when Rick and I started dating. I remember Les was always lending a hand to people to help them out. He would loan them cars, repair their car, or offer his assistance in other ways. I remember the time our Suburban was stolen back in the early 90's. After it was recovered, Les took it to his shop and thoroughly checked it out to make sure that the insurance company paid for all the damage that was done to it.

Les and Sally loved to travel in their RV. Jonathan and Jason took many weekend trips with them and got to camp in some of the state parks around Texas. They really loved spending time with "Papa Les" and Granny on those trips.

Les also loved photography. He was always taking pictures of things with his cameras. It seemed like he always had a camera with him. I am proud to have a couple of photos that he took.

Les was like a father to me. He was loved by all of us. We will miss him until we see him again in Heaven.

Sally and Family,

Shelby and I were saddened to hear of Les' passing.  Please know that you are all in our hearts, prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.  Lot's of fond memories to be had to help you through this.  Les was a good man, and had that impish sense of humor I will remember him for.  Peace to you all, with love.

Dear Sally, I am sorry for your loss.  You know that you and your family will remain in my prayers.  Although I never met Les, I saw his photos, he remained the love of your life for very good reasons! I could tell that you love him and he loved you! May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Family, all the angels and saints surround him and guide his way to heaven.  If you need anything, please don't hesitate to tell me.  I'm but a click or phone call away.  Sally, you remain dear in my heart, as always, I send you all the best and my condolences for Les.  Love you, Mercedes

Sherri, I am so sorry to hear that your father has been re-located to the heavens above. I know that he'll be missed and in each and every heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Gerry Lundy(Round Rock, Tx.)

This reminds us that life is precious and we shall appreciate every day.

God has a way of bringing extraordinary people and moments into our lives as we travel through time. 
“Dad” Cates was one of those extraordinary people and the time I have known him and the family were extraordinary moments that God allowed me to experience.  Les was always kind hearted, even though he could rule with an iron fist, he was generous and he was willing to give more than anyone.  The times spend at Padre Island, Cutler Motors, The Whiteware House and the Catfish House eating fresh fried catfish and hush puppies bring a smile and a warm feeling into my heart.  He will be missed, but always remembered and loved. May God bless and ease the pain and sadness for his family
Judy Greene-Cates-Schneider

One of the most notable things about my Father was that Everyone loved him. He made friends quickly and was always there to help people in need. His great sense of humor and playful personality was addictive and we never grew tired of his presence nor will we ever stop missing him. Our hearts are certainly heavy with his passing but also lifted in the knowledge that God has granted him Wings with which to soar beyond our earthly boundaries.  Love you Dad and we will all get together again...  - Your loving Son

Papa Les was always really sweet to me, but he liked to tease Jonathan.  He frequently asked me if I was keeping my boys out of trouble.  He helped us out a few times when we had car trouble and we were always grateful.

I will always remember the weekends we would take trips in the RV.  Papa Les, Granny, Jason and I traveled to many different places across Texas.  We went hiking and biking at most of those parks.  I will definitely miss the time we spent camping and the breakfasts Papa Les made on the grill.

I will miss building forts with Papa Les on his couch and wrestling with him.  He was very strong.

In honor of my Dad.I would like to say he did an exceptional job raising three out of four boys as a single parent from the time we where 4,9,14,yrs old, due to are mother passing. Donny was 19 & in the Navy at that time. I know anyone that knew him would say that he was one of the most generous person they had the pleasure to know, & would do anything in the world for you without asking anything in return. I worked with him for 12 years at his auto repair shop, "Cutler Automotive". He taught me to be a
Master Mechanic. He was not only my Father, but one of my best friends as well. He will always be with me in my Heart Forever !!! He has 3 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, & 1 Great Great Grandson from Me & my Wife Debra & Family.

Love Eternal Your son Wayne

On March 1, 1980, Beverly and I moved from Brownwood Texas back to Austin. Les and Mom drove a U-Haul truck from Austin to Brownwood to help us move. After loading up our few possessions and heading towards Austin, we got as far as Goldthwaite in Mills County when the truck broke down. I remember it being a very cold day (the coldest day of the year) and there we were broke down on a Saturday in a small town. We found a mechanic who checked out the truck. It had a broken bracket for one of the fan belt pulleys, as I recall. However, he told us he would have to order a part for it, and it would take a couple of days to get there. Les told the man he wanted to take a look at it. He figured out a way to do a temporary fix that would hold long enough to get back to Austin. Sure enough, it did, and we made it back without further incident. It sure was nice having our own mechanic with us that day!
We will miss you, Les!

Rick and Beverly

Grampa taught me how to live unflinchingly. How to look life in the eye and follow what was right even if no one else believed me. He was Grampa; there are just no other words. When I was alone and about to deliver my oldest baby; my terror of hospitals reared its head and I actually escaped and went all the way past Ramsey park and then to The Shop. And there he was, laughing at me and with me,(His right hand shading his eyes from the sun and his left slapping his leg as he shook his head. "What the hell are you doing, little girl? This was not where you were supposed to walk was it.") until I could finally go back and deliver his greatgrand, and namesake, Leslie. There wasn't a question I couldn't ask nor an adventure he wouldn't include me on from the time I was a toddler until I found myself an actual adult. I know that he knew why I wouldn't let myself be a bother and that I would never lie to him either. 
Thank you for knowing how much I love you and thank you for being my Grampa.

Grampa Cates..i remember always being at Cutler automotive watching you and my daddy, Wayne, working while us kids played on the lifts and roller boards.You always insisted we had our hot chocolate on cold days and at Christmas we all got to share your pecan pralines from Lambs candies.I remember always being hugged and loved by you.Always in my heart...i love you.

There are no words to express how much we ALL loved Les. He was the most kindest and thoughtful person I have ever known .He always thought of others before himself , ALWAYS !! There was more than one  occasion when I needed help , and he never hesitated , he would be the first one to help me out . No matter what it was , Les always had unconditional love , not just when it was convenient for him .  I will miss him SO VERY MUCH !!!! I have never imagined life without Les being  there , and there will definitely be a spot in my heart for him always !!! So until we see each other again Please don't ever forget how very much I love you Les . Your daughter always ,Lori

We first met Les in 1967 while he was working at a car dealership at 12th and Lamar...shortly after that he opened the Shell station on Anderson where we became acquainted with his number one son, Don.  Les babysat our two girls many times and we always enjoyed his company and got to know all of his boys.  We used to trade off and babysit Gary, his youngest son.  We'll miss Les.

Dad,

I will always remember your giving and kind nature.  You were always there to lend a hand and help out however you could when anyone needed something...even giving your blood by the gallons.  It was clear to your family and clear to anyone who came across you.  I will miss you terribly and will love you always!

Your loving daughter, Sheri

OBITUARY

Leslie D. Cates

May 15, 1926 – October 1, 2014

Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home

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