The Excelsior Standard, Oct. 18, 2024

Joe Ted Cates of Ray County passed away peacefully Oct. 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation and the funeral were scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, with the visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and the funeral beginning at 2, both at Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.

Joe was known for his hardworking nature, kind heart and dedication to his family. He worked for many years as a foreman for Cargill, and most recently, as a mechanic for Midwest Locomotive.

His love for the outdoors led him to spend countless hours tinkering and tending to his farm. But above all else, Joe cherished his role as “Papa Joe” and his devoted wife, Deborah.

Joe’s kindness and love reached beyond borders. His deep connection to his wife Deborah, who moved from England when they first met, is a testament to their devoted and amazing love story. Together, they built a life full of love and care that touched everyone who knew them, both near and far.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Erma Cates; and sister, Anne Crumley.

Survivors include Deborah A. Cates, his loving wife of 25 years, of Rayville; his son, Matthew J. Cates of Smithville; and four stepdaughters, Holley Baldwin of Excelsior Springs, Samantha Walker of Liverpool, England, United Kingdom, Jenney Paul of Lathrop and Mary-Ann Wynn of Liberty. Joe also is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Oliver Cates, Emily Wynn, and Audrey and Mya Lockwood; and his three brothers and one sister.

Papa Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his legacy of kindness and global reach will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.