Mr. Robert Bruce Cates, 70, of Mexia passed away January 3, 2009. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday, January 5, 2008 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel. Rev. Marcus Sheffield will officiate with interment to follow in the LaSalle Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 6-9 PM Sunday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home Mr. Cates was born to George and Bertha Christine Croft Cates on September 10, 1938 in Groesbeck, Texas. He was a welder and construction foreman for many years. He was very devoted to his family. He is survived by his daughters, Sheila Isbell of Ringgold, La., Carla Barber of Mexia, Christy Beldin of Mexia and Robbi Cates of Lone Oak; grandchildren, Tracy Long, Steven Isbell, Chad, Robert and Johnathan Darden, Danny Beldin, II, Brian and Renee Beldin, Erin and Josh Baust, Brittany Lemons and Trent Wilson; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joan Herron, Vickie Smart and Marie Reyes. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Bessie Cates, daughter, Nita Baust, three brothers and one sister. Pallbearers will be Danny Beldin, II, Brian Beldin, Gill Hernandez, Jesse Ramos and Johnathan.