Gary Neal Cates

Gary Neal Cates, age 74, was born September 30, 1943 in Beaver Oklahoma to Alvin and Nancy (Fronk) Cates. He attended school at Beaver, graduating in 1962. Gary was drafted to serve our country in the United States Army, serving two years. He was a Spec 4, gaining security clearance status. He worked in the Com Center. He gained many friends whom some have stayed in touch all these years.

In February, on the 11^th day of 2012, he married Darlene Curnutte. They were joined in marriage on Gary’s home place with the wedding taking place in the barn. The bride was delivered by a team of horses pulling a wagon with the bride and bridesmaids.

Gary brought to the marriage, two children, Misty Campbell of Lockhart, Texas and Melissa Wanger of Ft. Supply, Oklahoma. Darlene entered the marriage with three children, Rama Garrard of Whitesboro, Texas; Crystal Wheatley of Darrrouzett, Texas and Tyrell Pigg of Alvord, Texas.

Gary enjoyed the rodeo life and working around stock. He worked many years for The Barby Rodeo. He started with Leland Barby. Gary went to Perryton to work for Wheatheart Feeders. He soon went to Montana to work for Billings Livestock. Then Gary moved back to work for his brother, Bob, to run yearlings. The love of horses led him to pony racehorses getting a chance to be a jockey. Soon he found himself back at Barby Ranch working for Lloyd Barby as a ranch hand. Lloyd moved Gary to Pick-up man for his Rodeo Company. Gary also hauled the stock and liked to be known as “the man that just drove the truck”   he disliked the term truck driver!!  Gary also worked for Booker Packing House, JD Ray, Foust Feeds and being called upon once again to haul Government equipment, which he carried his Security Clearance Status that he earned.  Gary went to work for Harry Vold Rodeo, whom he became very close to along with his family. 

Gary was currently working for Alan McCloy Rodeo Stock Producer.  He enjoyed helping the college and young men practice buck outs.  He also grew close to Alan and loved the rodeo, stock and all the people that he met.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Alvin, his mother Nancy, his brother Dale and his sister Reola Cates Chastain.

Gary passed from this life on November 1, 2017 at the Beaver Hospital, with his wife and family by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, of the home; his daughters, Misty Campbell and Melissa Wanger and her husband, Kirby; his step children Rama Garrard and her husband, Jesse; Crystal Wheatley and her husband, Kelly; and Tyrell Pigg; eleven grandchildren; five great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.