Carlton Cates

Carlton Dwight Cates, 71, of Pampa, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and sister on March 9, 2025.

Remembrance services will 10:00 AM, Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Jim Sinyard of the Carpenters Church of Pampa, officiating. An inurnment will follow at Memory Gardens Mausoleum under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Carlton was born September 2, 1953, in Glendale, California, to William “Dale” Cates and Alice Marie “Posey” Cates. As a young man, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict from 1971-1974. After his service to his country, he earned his honorable discharge.

On April 17, 1999, he married the love of his life, Pamela Hodges in Pampa. He was a devoted and loving husband for 25 wonderful years. Carlton worked as a commercial truck driver for 27 years, covering most of the United States. Following his trucking career, Carlton went to work for Larry Baker Heating and Air in 2000 and retired in 2018.

Carlton is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents TL and Eva Posey, and Ben and Malinda Cates; a brother-in-law, Ken Dinges.

Carlton is survived by his wife, Pamela Cates of the home; four daughters, Kimberly, Melynda, Eva, and Karla; five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard “Hilda” Cates of Wynne, Arkansas; a sister, Debbie Dinges of Amarillo, Texas; two nieces; and his three fur-children, Bandit, Muttlie, and Oscar.

Instead of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to a charity of your choice.