Marvin Vernon Cate, Jr.

Marvin Vernon Cate(s) Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, surrounded by his niece and granddaughter.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Flatwood Cemetery in Eastland, Texas, with military honors to be presented. Visitation will be held earlier that day from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home Eastland.

Marvin was born May 5, 1945, in Gorman, Texas, to Marvin Vernon Cate Sr. and Lois Matilda Sanders Cate. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was the recipient of the Presidential Service Badge. Following his military service, Marvin held a series of public service roles across Texas, including Director of Parks and Recreation in Navasota, City Manager in Moran, and positions in water and wastewater operations for Moran, Eastland, and Strawn. He later served for many years as a plant supervisor for both the City of Llano and the City of Strawn, where he was known as a dedicated and dependable employee.

In addition to his dedicated service, he was well known for his sense of humor and love of a good joke. He found great joy in fishing and golfing, whether enjoying quiet time alone or sharing those moments with family and friends. Throughout his lifetime, he gave his friends and family fond memories that they will forever cherish.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Annita Duncan Cate; daughters Shelli Cate and Tracy Cate Roberts; son Curtis Cates; grandsons Brandon Roberts, Cameron Roberts, and Tristan Cate; granddaughters Kirstin Mitchell (Damian) and Tessa Cates; and great-granddaughters Elliot Mitchell and Francis Mitchell.

He is also survived by his sisters Aline McCormack and her husband Terry, and Cheryl Davis and her husband Roy. Additional survivors include nieces and nephews Wanda Smith, Carla Barker and husband David, Darla Salazar and husband Danny, Steven Bullard and wife Crystal, Rachel Riley and husband Corey, Rebecca Lucky, Elizabeth Jumper and husband Daniel, Brittany McMillan and husband Matt, along with many other cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lois Cate, and his sister Betty Bullard.

His legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication will live on through the many lives he touched.

All services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.