Melvin Edgar Cates was born October 27, 1952, in Shreveport, Louisiana to parents, Shelton Edgar Cates and Merilene Decker Cates. Melvin went to his Heavenly Home surrounded by his loving family at his residence on March 22, 2024, at the age of 71.
Melvin worked for Southern Pacific/Union Pacific as a Switchman for 43 years. His servant heart led him to serve several communities as a Certified Firefighter for over 35 years.
Melvin was the Assistant Fire Chief in Cleveland, Texas and with the City of Cleveland EMS, and also served as Chief for the Splendora Fire Department. Melvin not only had a love for his community, he had a deep passion for his family. Melvin was a devoted husband, father, and friend and loved his grandchildren deeply. He will be missed by his family and certainly by the communities he served.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Shelton Edgar and Merilene Cates; brother, Shelton Jones Cates. He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Brenda Ward Cates; children, Mandy Klaerner and husband Kevin, Melvin Cates and wife Stephanie, Jared Cates and wife Kylie, Ashley Romagus and husband Hooch, and Christopher Cates; grandchildren, Tanner Cates, Braden Klaerner, Hannah Cates, Trey Romagus, Tyler Cates, Molly Romagus, Logan Klaerner; brother, Larry Cates; sisters, Edna Insley and husband Bob, and Kay Simpson; numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Cornerstone Church of Cleveland on Monday, March 25, 2024, from 6pm-9pm. Melvin’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Cornerstone Church at 10am with Pastor James Holt and Pastor Melvin Cates officiating. Burial will follow in Morgan Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service will be, Michael O’ Brien, Sean Anderson, Roger Brookes, Doug Castleberry, Joey Fodderie, and Greg Miller. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Melvin Cates, Jared Cates, Christopher Cates, Hooch Romagus, Kevin Klaerner, Tanner Cates, Braden Klaerner, Hannah Cates, Trey Romagus, Tyler Cates, Molly Romagus, Logan Klaerner, and Arthur Gunter.