Earl Wayne “Tractor Man” Cates, age 88, of Dawson Springs, KY passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at his residence. Mr. Cates was born on September 10, 1937 in Manitou, KY to the late Robert Cates and Louetta Morrow Cates. He was a heavy equipment operator for Peabody Coal Company for 30 years and was also a member of the UMWA. He was a member of Lewistown Christian Church and was known far and wide for repairing the tractors in the western Kentucky region.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years ~ Mae Bell Cates of Dawson Springs, KY; a daughter ~ Pamela Ann (James) Owen of Crofton, KY; two sons ~ Michael Wayne (Tena) Cates and Ricky Glenn (Sandi) Cates of Madisonville, KY; his sister-in-law ~ Shirley Cates of Madisonville, KY; grandchildren ~ Casey Owen, Justin Owen, Josh Owen, Chris Cates, Brandon Cates, Nick Cates, Matthew Brown and Jason Brown; great-grandchildren ~ Alex Cates, Jackson Owen, Eric Owen, Zelda Owen, Emmalyn Cates and Mason Cates; step-grandchildren ~ Elijah Cashman, Stephanie Cashman and Sarah Cashman.
Mr. Cates was preceded in death by his parents and his brother ~ Harold Cates. Visitation for Mr. Earl Wayne “Tractor Man” Cates will be Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 12:00 until the funeral hour at 2:00 PM at Beshear Funeral Home in Dawson Springs, KY with Rev. Bobby Noel officiating. Burial will follow in Oakley Home Cemetery in Hopkins County, KY.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
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