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Obituary

Lannis Joseph Cates was born November 20, 1927, in Quinton, Oklahoma, to Lela Mae (McKee) and Curtbirth Cornelius (Slim) Cates. He passed away peacefully on May 7, 2022, into the arms of Jesus. He joined his beloved wife of 73 years, Judy Faye.
Lannis spent his first 16 years in Oklahoma. Times were tough and in the summer of 1943 the family moved to Shafter, CA. He started Shafter High School and graduated in January of 1946. Lannis and Judy met at Shafter High School and married in September of 1947. They lived the remainder of their lives in the Shafter and Bakersfield area. Lannis had a strong work ethic that began at a very early age. He was a man of high integrity; his word was his bond. Lannis was a math whiz and could build or fix anything. Because of these many abilities he held various occupations and provided well for his family. This incredible drive would continue even into his 90’s!

Lannis and Judy started their family in 1950, when their daughter, Patricia, was born. They moved to Shafter in 1955 where their son, Alan, was born. Lannis was very involved with his family. They attended church regularly and he made sure that God was a part of their lives. Lannis was a coach for his wife’s, daughter’s and son’s ball teams and won several championships. He was also a Scout Master, and a positive role model to many.

Lannis and Judy’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were a huge part of their lives. From ball games, 4-H projects, volunteering at school, helping with homework, they always made time to be at any and all events and “loved each of them a whole world full.”

Lannis’s grandfather was a Mason and he always wanted to be one. In 1963 he joined the Masonic Lodge and has been an active member for 59 years. He became a member of the Scottish Rite and was honored being made a 33rd degree. He also joined Shriner’s because he admired the work the Shriner Hospitals do for crippled children. Over the years Lannis achieved many titles and volunteered wherever he was needed. Through these organizations he and Judy made many friends and enjoyed traveling all over the United States and Canada.

Lannis leaves behind, daughter Patricia Ann, & husband Howard Funk, his son, Alan Cates & wife Lori, his granddaughters, Jamie (Funk) Gonzales & Corey, Carly (Cates) Maxwell & Cody, Mallory (Cates) Reese & Justin, and grandson Ryan Funk & Adriana. Papa also leaves behind 8 great grandchildren Quartnie, Codey, Cage, Miller, Campbell, Slade, Fletcher, and Aurora, and many great grand puppies.

Lannis was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy Faye (Marchman) Cates, his parents, Lela Mae and C.C. Cates, his sister, Elmetia (Cates) Rose, and brothers, Wendell and Oliver. He leaves behind his brother, Billy Cates.

A viewing will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, CA, on Thursday, May 19, from 4 – 8 pm. A Masonic Tribute service will be held Friday, May 20, at 10:00 am, also at Peters Funeral Home. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at Shafter Memorial Park on Friday, May 20, at 11:00 am.

We thank the staff of Carrington of Shafter and Hoffman Hospice for the care given to Lannis these last 4 years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.