Richard (Frank) Cates passed away on July 1, 2026 in Round Rock, Texas. Frank was born in Taylor, Texas and was raised in nearby Bartlett by his grandparents. Frank joined the Navy after graduating from high school in 1946. He served 20 years in the Navy including tours on the USS Bon Homme Richard during the Korean war. He then became an instructor at the Naval Training Center, San Diego. A few years after retiring from the Navy he was hired into the Federal Civil Service where he spent almost 20 years. During his time in FCS he served as the Director of Civil Personnel at the Naval Air Systems Command Representative, Pacific and as a Personnel Specialist in the Civilian Personnel Department at NAS North Island. Following his retirement from Civil Service, Frank was the head golf coach at the University of San Diego for 15 years.
In addition to being head golf coach at USD, Frank was also a member of the Coronado Men’s Golf Club for many years. He also found time to be a member of the VFW, American Legion.
During his time in San Diego, Frank was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley. When he moved to Texas he became a member of the United Methodist Church.
Frank is survived by his wife Louise, daughter Sharon Woodard of Cedar Park, Texas; son Richard Cates of Santee, CA; sons Dale Cates and David Cates, of San Diego. He also had many grandkids and great grandkids.
Funeral services are pending. He will be missed…