L M Pates, 85, of Galesburg, died at 8:30 p.m. Monday February 10, 2014 at Marigold Health Care Center, Galesburg.
LM was born November 16, 1928 In Mound Bayou, MS the son of Ambrose and Sarah (Buie) Pates. He married Dorothy A. Smallwood on September 6, 1952 in Rock Island. She preceded him in death on March 26, 1986. He later married Fannie M. Cato. She preceded him in death on March 13, 2012. LM is survived by a son, Lynn Pates of Bloomington; a daughter, Linda (Archie) Pates-Baker of Galesburg; a step son, Jerry Cato, SR. of Galesburg; and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Pates of Galesburg; three brothers, Moses Pates and Andrew Pates both of Chicago, and Amos Pates of Mound Bayou, MS; and a sister Mattie Ruth Pates of California. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Linette Pates, Langstone Pates, Jessica Pates, and Christiana Shea; four step grandchildren, Lisa Cato-Crider, Annette Cato, Buddy Cato, and Jerry Cato, JR; and twelve great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a son, John Pates on October 13, 2011; a step son, Wardell Cato; and a sister, Lula Belle Pates.
LM served in the US Army, serving in Korea. LM was a hostler helper for C.B.&Q. Railroad, later becoming Burlington Northern for 35 years, retiring in 1991. LM was a member of Darrell Lodge A.F. & A.M., was a Deacon and member of the Second Baptist Church. He loved sports especially baseball and was a fan of the ST. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed watching basketball and the Chicago Bulls. LM was very dedicated to his church and was very active in all church activities. He loved his family and his church family and will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
Per his wishes cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2014 at W.L. Darell Masonic Lodge #10, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.
