Deputy Chief Sidney H. Cates III

Deputy Chief Sidney H. Cates III (Retired) passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on March 10, 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sidney H. Cates III dedicated his life to the service of both his country and his community. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he served honorably during the Korean Conflict, carrying with him the core values of discipline, duty, integrity and honor throughout his life. Following his military service, Mr. Cates embarked on a distinguished career in law enforcement, joining the New Orleans Police Department in 1955. Over the course of years, he rose through the ranks as the first African American Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain with courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice, ultimately becoming the first African American Deputy Chief of Police in New Orleans. He led with vision and strength during the challenging era of segregation and civil rights, earning the deep respect of his colleagues and the community he served so faithfully. His legacy within the department and the city endures as a symbol of progress, perseverance, and public service. Outside of his professional life, Sidney Cates was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Betty Foster Cates; his parents, Sonoma Decoud Cates and Sidney Cates Jr. He is survived by his children, Sidney Cates IV (Ava Dejoie Cates) and Kim Cates Parker (Lionel Parker); four grandchildren Sidney H. Cates V (Catherine Dannel Cates), Lauren Ann Warner (Rodney Warner) Rebecca Parker, Abigail Parker Lincoln (Jordan Lincoln) and six great-grandchildren, all of whom he deeply cherished. Throughout his life, Sidney Cates was also active in civic and community affairs. His affiliations included: New Orleans Housing Authority, Hibernia Bank, Harrah’s Casino – New Orleans, Office of the Attorney General, Billy Guste State of Louisiana, Giarrusso Security Company, Townsmen Social & Pleasure Club, Original Illinois Social & Pleasure Club, Stud’s Club Social and Pleasure, Fraternal Order of Police, and Sugar Bowl Committee Deputy Chief Cates served with honor, led with dignity, and lived with heart. His impact is felt in every life he touched and in the example he set for future generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Relatives and friends of the family also priest and parishioners of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, also employees of New Orleans Housing Authority, Hibernia Bank, Harrah’s Casino – New Orleans, Office of the Attorney General, Billy Guste State of Louisiana, Giarrusso Security Company, also members of Townsmen Social & Pleasure Club, Original Illinois Social & Pleasure Club, Stud’s Club Social and Pleasure, Fraternal Order of Police, and Sugar Bowl Committee are invited to attend a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70127 on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Recitation of the Rosary. Internment: Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124. Please visit https://premiermemories.net/users/MTYxOTk2LVNpZG5leQ==/home.html to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences to the family. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana 70125 (504) 822-7162 www.rhodesfuneral.com.