Clayton Cates

Clayton Clyde Cates, 80, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home on August 21, 2018, enjoying his last days surrounded by family and care givers who loved him very much. He was born February 23rd, 1938, in Robstown, Texas to Clyde and Zela Cates. He was a 1956 graduate of Robstown High School, and a 1960 graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Upon graduation from A&M, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, and then served in the Texas National Guard for several years. When he began his career with State Farm Insurance at the age of 26, he was one of the first four agents south of San Antonio, Texas. Clayton enjoyed a long 38-year career with State Farm Insurance as a independent contractor agent – he always appreciated and loved his team who worked with him in Robstown. Clayton is survived by his wife, Anita; his children, Clayton Cates, Jr. (Jena) of Portland, Texas and Carol Neal (Larry) of Austin, Texas; his grandchildren, Trey and Braelin Cates of Portland, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law, Zula and Dale Langley of Corpus Christi, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Zela Cates. Two weeks after he graduated from A&M, he married the love of his life Anita Fox, and they shared the next 58-year adventure together. Clayton loved to cook, fish, hunt, scuba dive, travel, and volunteer, and he always sought to do activities that involved his family. Clayton was an Eagle Scout. When he became a father, Anita became a den leader, and Clayton an area pack leader, and he nurtured his own son to the achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout as well – Clayton valued “values”. He was a long time member of Arlington Heights Church of Christ, whom he considered his church family. Clayton believed in giving back to his local community and was a life-long volunteer – he held leadership positions and was an active member in Robstown Rotary Club, the Jaycees, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla, and the Robstown Cemetery Association. Pallbearers will be Clayton’s beloved nephews: Dale Langley, Jr., Clyde Langley, Dr. David Clayton Langley, Denny Dinsmore, Beau Wingo, Luke Wingo, and Nathan Lawrence. The family will receive visitors at the Sawyer-George Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard St. in Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday, August 24 from 5 to 7 PM. Funeral and Celebration of Life services will be held at Arlington Heights Church of Christ on Saturday, August 25 at 10 AM, with burial following at the Robstown Cemetery. The family is thankful for the love and care provided by Angel Care 1990, and especially the love given him by Irma, Brinda, Julie, and David, with amazing guidance by Roxanne Mathis. The family is also very grateful to New Century Hospice for their loving care in these last few weeks of Clayton’s earthly life, as well as the amazing team who provided successful guidance for 20+ years at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Most especially, the family wishes to thank the loving members of Arlington Heights Church of Christ for all they do to show love for others – we are eternally grateful for our life-time involvement with such a loving church family. Memorial donations may also be given to Corpus Christi Food Bank, or Sunny Glenn Children's Home, a couple of local charities Clayton and Anita valued greatly in our community.