Norman Earl Cates, 86, of Axtell, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, in Waco, Texas. Norman was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him.

Norman was a man who never met a stranger. He had a natural ability to make people feel welcome and was always ready with a smile, a story, or a joke. He loved to make people laugh, whether with a genuinely funny joke, a particularly corny one, or one of the many stories he loved to tell. And if you heard one of those stories more than once (and most people did) you could count on it becoming just a little more entertaining with each telling.

Norman was a hardworking man who took pride in staying busy and helping others. For most of his working life, he was a truck driver, driving everything from propane and cement trucks to long-haul semis. He had an exceptional sense of direction and could remember virtually any route he had ever traveled. His work ethic followed him home, where he was happiest when he had something to do, especially outside. He loved working in the yard and mowing the grass, always finding satisfaction in keeping things neat and getting something accomplished.

Norman also had a talent for woodworking. Over the years, he built cabinets, furniture, game boards, and countless other things with his own hands. He enjoyed creating things that were useful and, perhaps most importantly, things that could be enjoyed by the people he loved.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. Norman was married to his beloved wife, Sharon Ann Cates, for 62 years and 10 months. Together they built a life filled with family, hard work, laughter, and love. They raised three children: Joyce Gorgan of Axtell, Texas; Mary Cates of Duncan, Oklahoma; and Michael Cates of Pennsylvania. Norman and Sharon were blessed with 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

While Norman loved his entire family dearly, his grandchildren held a particularly special place in his heart. He loved being there for them in all the little ways that mattered—picking them up from school, buying them snacks, building things for them, and simply spending time with them. He was the kind of grandfather who was always willing to help, always had a story to tell, and always seemed to have a joke ready.

Norman was also a man who did not take himself too seriously. His overalls and T-shirts with funny sayings became part of his signature look, perfectly matching his personality. Making someone smile could make his whole day.

Norman was a member of Olive Branch Baptist Church in Axtell, Texas, where he especially enjoyed the fellowship of the church family, including Men's Breakfast and other church activities. He valued the friendships and fellowship he found there and enjoyed being part of the community.

Norman will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generous heart, his quick sense of humor, his endless stories, and his ability to make people feel like old friends. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man who found great joy in doing for others.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Ann Cates; his children, Joyce Gorgan, Mary Cates, and Michael Cates; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary McCann; and his brothers, E.C. Cates and Charles Cates. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and countless friends who will miss his laughter, his stories, and his unmistakable way of making everyone around him smile.

A memorial service celebrating Norman's life will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Olive Branch Baptist Church in Axtell, Texas.

In remembering Norman, those who knew him best will undoubtedly smile through their tears—because that is exactly what he would have wanted.