Roll Call Tribute

Robert Lloyd "Bob" Cates, Lt.Col. USAF (Ret) 

April 29, 1942 - February 12, 2025 

Graveside services for Robert Cates, 82, of Colleyville, Texas will be held at 11:30 AM, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Lexington Cemetery with Pastor Rick Spencer officiating.

Robert (Bob) Cates was born April 29, 1942, to Kemp Crawford Cates and Gladys (McDaniel) Cates in Freeport, Texas. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Texas A&M University and his master’s degree from St. Mary’s University. While in the Corps of Cadets at A&M, he was a member of the Fish Drill Team and Ross Volunteers and served as Commanding Officer of Squadron 12. Bob joined the United States Air Force and became a pilot. He went on to serve in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous other commendations. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired after 22 years of service.

Bob was united in marriage to Mary Jo Going on September 10, 1966, at First Baptist Church in Nome, Texas. They have two daughters, Betsy and Kathryn. Bob was a member of the Order of Daedalians for numerous years. He loved to read and spend time with family. Bob passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Grapevine, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kemp Crawford Cates and Gladys (McDaniel) Cates; sister, Kay Powledge; and brother-in-law, Carl Powledge.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Cates of Colleyville; two daughters, Betsy Scogin and husband Bryant of Frisco, and Kathryn Cates and husband Matt Kozusko of Philadelphia; four grandchildren, Carter Scogin, Spencer Scogin, and Tucker Scogin, all of Frisco, and Juniper Cates-Kozusko of Philadelphia; three nieces, Lynn Clark and husband Craig of Plano, Kathy Jones and husband Randy of Trinidad, and Mary Kay Pfister and husband Kevin of Flower Mound, as well as a nephew, Bob Powledge and wife Sande of Austin.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of one’s choice.