FREEPORT — Lawrence A. Cates, 84, of Freeport, died Nov. 20 at the Hawthorne House in Freeport.

He was born in Fairfield on Dec. 17, 1928, the son of George and Frances Cates. He served in the Army, worked on the family farm and other farms, and in shoe factories in Skowhegan and Freeport. He established his own appliance business and ultimately retired as an electrician from Bath Iron Works.

Cates attended the First Baptist Church of Freeport. He enjoyed playing mandolin and bones in a blue grass/country band and attended many blue grass festivals. He played at local area nursing homes. Woodworking, camping and spending time with his grandchildren were his hobbies.

He was predeceased by two infant daughters, Ginger and Laura Jean; daughter Nancy Radley, of Freeport; two brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Doris, of Freeport; son Larry Cates, and wife, Nu; three daughters, Susan Landon, and husband, Nathan, of Lisbon, Janice Arris, of Portland and Sandra Holmes, of Freeport; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jackie Chase.  

The family wishes to thank Mid-Coast Hospital, Hawthorne House and CHANS for their excellent care.

A memorial service was held Nov. 25, at the Lindquist Funeral Home, Yarmouth with a reception following at the funeral home.