John Arthur Cates

John Arthur Cates, 84, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. He was born in Waynesburg, Ohio on June 8, 1937 to the late Gerald and Maxine Cates.

John worked at Sears throughout his life as a Department Manager. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as military police stationed in Germany. He volunteered in local boy scouting troops and Indian Guys with the YMCA. John was the definition of optimism. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word on his lips. He loved Jesus Christ and lived his life as a shining example of a good person. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed his winters in Florida and spending time with his sons and their families, going to garage sales, and following the Indians, Browns and Buckeyes. When his boys were growing up, he took the family on many memorable fishing trips to Canada. John loved playing golf, along with collecting and repairing golf equipment and was in a golf league for many years. He was also a skilled woodworker, having crafted dozens of furniture pieces for his family. John enjoyed singing and loved being a part of the Fun Center Chordsmen for 15 years. John regularly attended Grace Evangelical Free Church.

John is survived by his children, John (Jane) Cates, Rusty (Sue) Cates, Mark (Connie) Cates and Jason Cates; brothers and sisters, Jim Cates, Brenda Sweval and Susan Husbands; grandchildren, Ryan Cates, Kelly Knowlton, Lynn Costello, Natalie Dunckel, Benji Cates and Allison Dauzat; great-grandchildren, Sydney, Piper, Nova, Olive, Georgia, Winifred and Marshall; brother-in-law, Dennis Nezrick; and close family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnn (Nezrick) Cates; and sister, Judy Boyd.

The family will receive friends and family from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 536 Kentucky Ave., Mansfield, Ohio 44905. A funeral service will follow at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Mo Hill and Pastor Dennis Nezrick officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Evangelical Free Church. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.

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