Thomas M. R. Cates, Jr. (aka Tom/Tommy), 70, of Maryville, Illinois, formerly of Sauget, passed away Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 with his family by his side.
Tom was born in East St. Louis on December 16, 1954 and was a 1973 graduate of Cahokia Sr. High School. He was a member of East Lodge 504 A.F. & A.M., Ainad Shrine class of 1980, Southern Illinois Court 86 ROJ.
Tom was preceded in death by his:
- Wife: Cynthia Diane Cates
- Parents: Thomas M. R. Cates, Sr. and Charlotte, nee White, Cates
Surviving are his:
- Daughters
- Alisa Cates
- Andrea Cates Miller
- Three grandsons
- William Olson
- Reid Miller
- Holt Miller
- Sister: Sherry (Mike) Cates-Straub
- Brother: Timothy (Tim) Cates
- Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins
- Friend: Lucinda
Tom was an entrepreneur starting at a young age. When he was 15, he bought his first Corvette. Over a span of 55 years he owned numerous Corvettes, but had a fondness for cars his entire life. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and boating. Tom spent the majority of his life as a business owner in the heavy equipment industry and had been enjoying retirement the last year.
Tom enjoyed working around his home, keeping his yard and property in meticulous condition and always had a home improvement project or three going on.
Tom enjoyed traveling. In recent years, he had traveled to Thailand and Turkey, and more recently to France, Germany & Ireland. In December, he enjoyed a relaxing week celebrating his 70th birthday in the Dominican Republic.
Most importantly in his life were his grandsons, whom affectionately referred to him as “Paw.”
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Shriners Children – St. Louis.
Services: Honoring his wishes to be cremated, the family will welcome visitors to express their condolences from 4-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 15. 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Il, with a Jester Rose Ceremony at 7:13 p.m.
