Melvin Cates

Melvin "Mel" Plez Cates,77, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at Central Wyoming Hospice Center after a courageous battle with COPD and Crohn's Disease.

Melvin was born July 6th, 1935 in Cushing, Oklahoma to Fred and Myrtle Cates. He graduated from Cushing High School in 1954, attended college on a football scholarship in Winfield, Kansas for 2 years then enlisted in the Army. Upon his discharge in1959, he moved to Glenrock, WY where he was employed at Dave Johnston Power Plant as a Lab Technician. He soon bid a job in the Maintenance Dept, as a helper, advancing to a Master Mechanic. He was a top mechanic, welder and machinist. After several years he ventured out as an entrepreneur, operating Cates Welding Company and later moving on to own Cates Drilling Company in Casper, WY. Mel was well known and respected in his field until his retirement in 1985.

Mel enjoyed the outdoors and spent many content evenings at a campfire enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Those who knew him knew how much he loved boating and fishing and may remember the many happy times he spent at Alcova Lake where he taught many youngsters to water ski. He was also an avid hunter and took pride in his quality sportsmanship.

Mel is survived by his wife of 51 years, Margaret and daughters DeLee (Jeff) Johnson of Loveland, CO and ShLee (Clint) Schuler of Casper and niece Elaine (Tom) Kopetzky of Shelby NE. Near and dear to his heart were his grandchildren: MarLee Johnson, Jariek Randi, Breqan and River Schuler, brother: Earl of Arizona and sisters: Rose and Zora of Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 8, 2012 at Newcomer's Funeral Home, 710 East Second, Casper. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Central Wyoming Hospice, 319 S. Wilson St., Casper, WY. 82602.

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