Neal Cates, 81, of Madisonville, Ky. passed away at 2:35 p.m. on Sunday May 22, 2011 at Brighton Cornerstone Healthcare in Madisonville.

He was born on January 5, 1930 in Nebo, Ky. to the late Minnie Hillyard Cates and Walter "Ab" Cates. He was a United States Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He was retired as a service manager for Hawkins Motors. He was of the Methodist faith.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Adkins Cates; and a sister, Colleen Knight.

He is survived by his son, Joe (Karla) Cates of Nebo, Ky.; a daughter, Janet (John) King of Georgetown, Oh.; a brother, Tommy (Barbara) Cates of Madisonville; a grandson, Stephen (Nicole) Cates of Marion, Ky.; three granddaughters, Ashley King of Georgetown, Oh., Cyndel (Dustin) Smith of Amelia, Oh. and Bethany King of Georgetown, Oh.; a great-grandson, Casey Cates of Marion, Ky.; a great-granddaughter, Guinevere Smith of Amelia, Oh. and; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday May 25, 2011 in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville with Rob Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Nebo, Ky. Military services will be conducted graveside by 101st Airborne Division Ft. Campbell and Hopkins County Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Smith, Drew Houchin, Terry Cates, Jimmy Harris, Don Bowling and Paul Higdon.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour Wednesday at Harris Funeral Home.