Lance Cates

Lance Hunter "Rooster" Cates, 33, of Owensville, Ohio, went to heaven to sing with the angels Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at Anderson Mercy Hospital in Cincinnati, surrounded by his family.

He was born Nov. 20, 1978, in Cape Girardeau.

Lance was a very special person who changed the lives of everyone who met him. His favorite things to do were sing with his dad, arm wrestle, throw rocks and watch his favorite show, "The Dukes of Hazzard." He liked to spend the winter months in Florida fishing and bowling. Lance was a member of Fayetteville Church of Christ in Fayetteville, Ohio.

He was baptized by his father in September 1995. He had spent the last 20 years going to nursing homes to sing with his dad. He graduated in 2001 from Thomas A. Wiley School in Owensville, where he received the Presidential Award, Achievement Award and Cheerleading Award. He was currently working at Residential Concepts Day Habilitation Program in Williamsburg, Ohio.

Survivors include his parents, Joe and Clara Cates of Owensville and Brenda Sander of Jackson; two brothers, Joey (Charity) Cates of Batavia, Ohio, Lukas Sander of Jackson; five sisters, Sabrina (Russell) Franklin of Perryville, Mo., Summer (Eric) May of Eastgate, Ohio, Callie Jo Cates (Matt Yeager) of Owensville, Leigha Sander and Savannah Sander of Jackson; five nephews, Hunter and Caleb Harris, Brayden and Grayson May, Everett Buerck; a niece, Arleigh May, and due to arrive in April, Elizza-Bleau Marie Franklin; grandmothers, Shirley Cates of Charleston, Mo., Mabel Jackson of Flat Lick, Ky.; a grandfather, Elbert Cook of Marble Hill, Mo.; his dogs, Target and Rambo; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfathers, Jearl Cates and Frank Jackson; maternal grandmother, Verla Cook; and maternal grandfather, Doyle Sander.

The funeral service was held Jan. 12 at Fayetteville Church of Christ. Burial was Friday in Farley Cemetery in Himyar, Ky.

Pallbearers were Joey Cates, Matt Yeager, Eric May, Hunter Harris, Lee Jackson, Rob Jackson and Michael Swafford.

Announcement courtesy of McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.