A Memorial Service for Rodney Lee Cates, 62, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 2015, at Am Vets Post, West Plains, Missouri.

Mr. Cates died at 2:05 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2015, at his home.

He was born January 2, 1953, at Abilene, Texas, to Russell Paul Cates and Phyllis Ann Shelton Cates. He was married March 25, 2014, at West Plains, Missouri, to Fontella Hambelton. Before his retirement, he worked as a rough neck and derrick hand in the oil fields. Mr. Cates was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy. He was well known for his love of life. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially camping and fishing. Mr. Cates was a Christian.

He is survived by his wife and companion of thirty years, Fontella M. Cates, of the family home; four children, Stacie A, husband, Neil, Charles A., wife, Angie, Fontella J., husband Shane and Jody Lee, wife, Heather; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Bill, wife, Karen; and three sisters, Paulanne, husband, Wayne, Cheryl, husband, Floyd and Cathy.

His parents and one granddaughter, Erica, precede him in death.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.