Jesse Lee Kates
Age 93, of Lansing, MI, passed away October 14, 2025. He was born October 13, 1932, in Guthrie, KY, to M.T. Kates and Virginia Fisher.
Jesse proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956 during the Korean War. He loved boxing and was a professional boxer during his time in the service. Jesse was a longtime Fisher Body employee and retired after 40 years of dedicated service. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his 5 children: Jeremiah Kates, Sr., Gail Owens, Martin Kates, Kecia (James) Sarratt, and Aleane Kates; grandchildren, Jeremiah Kates, Jr., Jamerra Kates, DeQarius Kates, Keivon Kates, and Andrew Harris, Devaughn Kates, Shelby Kates, Simone Kates, Devon Kates, Jayln Kates, Martaz Kates, Marreona Kates, Alyssa Kates, Jdecka Adams, Octavia Adams, Latavis Adams, Taneisha Kates, Renita Morris, Jamie Kates, Ieisha Kates, Ranada (Quinton) Tanner, James (Samantha) Sarratt, Chelsea Carrie, and Damon Kates; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
A chapel service, in the mausoleum, with military honors, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
3 Messages to “Jesse Lee Kates”
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Barbara Calloway
October 17, 2025 at 3:15 pmRest in Heaven Mr. Jesse. I miss seeing you standing at the top of the stairs. (*_*)
Barbara Calloway and Barbara Swan
Michele Owens Willis
October 17, 2025 at 7:34 pmMy sincerest condolences to the entire family, God has given you some rest, I’m grateful that God allowed me to see you recently, our daughter misses you immensely. But God will comfort and strengthen in Jesus name.
Devaughn kates
February 5, 2026 at 4:30 amRip grandad from Devaughn Kates I wish I could have gotten closer to you before you passed I am great full for the memories I do have I got one thing to ask can you plz keep an eye over your son my dad i know he’s hurt loosing you I’d be hurt if I lost him even though we’ve never had a squeaky clean relationship i dont fault him for nothing he just wanted me to be the best version of him I could I just got tired of the discipline but thats my dog. Oh im homeless rn well for 5 years now it hasn’t been easy no help at all if you listening I know my dad is. A good dad i just wanna be there for my sons. If you can shoot a message to the big guy and let him know I was frustrated last time we talked I diddnt mean it ok love GP I’ll be expecting nothing and praying for change R.I.P