Barbara J. Dunbar Cates, 88, of Madisonville, KY, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Ridgewood Terrace Nursing and Rehab in Madisonville.

She was born on January 2, 1937, in Providence, KY, to the late Kathleen Melton Dunbar and Ivan "Bud" Dunbar. When she was younger, she was a beautician and later retired as an administrative assistant for Carhartt. She was a Kentucky Colonel and enjoyed bowling, crafting, and was an avid UK basketball fan. Barbara was a member of First Church of God in Madisonville.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years, Thomas "Tommy" H. Cates; and her brothers, David Dunbar and Ronnie Dunbar.

Her survivors include her son, Terry (Shelley) Cates of Madisonville; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home with Bro. Robert White officiating. Burial to follow at Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the funeral hour on Saturday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Mickey Dunbar, Craig Dunbar, Greg Stinnett, Danny White, Jim Hendrix, and Steve Starr.