AMERICAN FORK — A funeral will be held today for American Fork City Councilman Jimmie Cates, 68, who died Friday after a battle with cancer.

Cates, described by his colleagues as "kind" and "gentle," will be missed, said Mayor Heber Thompson, who was Cates' friend and neighbor.

"He was a very steadying influence on the city council," Thompson said. "He always made sure we paid attention to the voice of the community."

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. in the American Fork 12th Ward, 673 E. 300 North, with a viewing at the church from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the American Fork Cemetery.