Wilson B. Cates, 97, of Groves, Texas passed away Friday, December 4, 2015 at Oak Grove Nursing Home in Groves. He was born on November 26, 1918 in Converse to Britt Cates and Ouida Keyes Cates. Wilson had lived in this area for 63 years and was retired from Union Oil as a lab technician. He proudly served his country in the United States Army in the 112th Cavalry Regiment during World War II. Military rites were held December 7 at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas with the Rev. Travis Cox officiating. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Elma A. Cates; sisters, Aline Sherwood and Betty Lou Rascoe and brothers, Robert Boyd Cates and Herbert Cates. He is survived by his daughter, Larita Hecker and husband, Kenneth of Orange, Texas; son, Carl Dilbeck and wife, Sandra of Florien; three grandchildren, Twana Simar and husband, Bradley, April Fox and husband, Craig, and Ken Hecker and wife, Teresa Yu and five great grandchildren, Zach, Ashton, and Dustin Stelly, Jacob and Dylan Simar. Friends wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to: The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
July 16, 2026
