Douglas Emerson (Bud) Cates was taken by his Lord February 28, 2009, at his home surrounded by family and friends after battling Leukemia. He was born January 9, 1934 in Gillette, Wyoming to James and Willa (Bell) Cates. He was raised and attended schools in Gillette. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 and served in Korea and Japan on the USS Mispillion, with an Honorable discharge in 1954.

Douglas married Juanita L. Wells in 1953. Six children were born to this union, Cynthia, Kevin, Darryl, Mark, Lori, and Doyle.

Bud and his family moved to Everett, Washington, in 1965 where he worked and retired from Scott Paper Mill and later was a Singing Bartender. He was an excellent dancer and people would stop to watch him and Nita dance. They later divorced.

He met his long time friend, Dave Lyons and they moved to Gillette. They loved to fish and tell Buddy Stories with Vera McKinney and their faithful dog Jingles. He loved to garden, plant flowers, and trees (one of which the News-Record wrote an article because it was not native to the climate). He also grew tomatoes of every variety.

He dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bud is survived by his long time friend Dave, Sisters: Mary Ann Barritt of Gold Bar, WA, Nancy Slattery (Jim), of Gillette. Brother: Raymond (Kathie) Cates of Gillette.

Daughters: Cynthia Wher of Sultan, WA, Lori (Doug) Bruskrud of Granite Falls, WA. Sons: Kevin (Rikki) Cates of Machias, WA., Darryl Cates of Everett, WA, Mark Cates of Cumby, TX, Doyle Cates of Marysville, WA and numerous nieces, and nephews.

Grandchildren: Donny, Chad, Katrina, Kala, Krista, and Kristi.

Great-Grandchildren: Cole, Chandler, Isabella, Kevin, Tea Maria, Jadin, Garette, Taylor, Baily, and Richard.

He was preceded in death by Ex-wife: Juanita, Father: James, Mother: Willa, and Brothers: James and Tim.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorials and Condolences may be mailed to 106 Richards Avenue, Gillette, Wyoming 82716.