Darren Warren Cates

Darren Warren Cates, 66, of Huntersville, NC passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer. Darren was born on December 19, 1958, to the late Mary Ellen and Donald Thomas Cates. The second of four siblings, Darren was raised in Charlotte and graduated from West Charlotte High School in 1977 where he excelled in football. He had several jobs in the food & beverage industry, notably as a bartender at the 2001 Disco in the 1980s before suffering with mental illness, leading to 7 years of homelessness.

Through God's gifts of strength and resilience, Darren endured and eventually accepted the help he needed to get well. He enjoyed many years of happiness with his family and his large circle of friends who became family, at Hunter Village in Huntersville, NC. Darren thrived at Hunter Village and became a beloved fixture, always with a kind word or a joke. In addition to his parents, Darren is pre-deceased by his brother Dana Thomas Cates. Survivors include his older brother Donald Logan Cates (Karen) of Charlotte, NC, his sister Lisa Cates Puckett (Carroll) of Midland, NC, three nieces, Theresa Cates Henderson (Joel), Natalie Cates (Aaron Stamey) and Lara Cates Cooley (BJ); one nephew, Logan Puckett (Daniela); three great nieces, Mary Cate Henderson, Charlotte Stamey and Elena Puckett, and three great nephews, Nolan Henderson and Oliver and Levi Puckett.

The family would like to thank Jenny Penniger, Rachel Connelly, Denise Brooks and all staff at Hunter Village and Hospice of Huntersville for their endless loving care of our brother. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Darren Cates Memorial Fund, c/o Hunter Village, 111 S. Church St., Huntersville, NC 28078. Burial will be private.