Robert Eugene Cates

After 88 amazing years, Robert “Bob” Eugene Cates of The Woodlands, Texas, (formerly of Maryland, Kansas and Missouri), passed away at his home with his family by his side on the evening of December 20, 2018. Although not really a superstitious man, Bob always joked that he was born on Friday the 13th, the unluckiest day. As it turns out, he was born on a Monday. So just as Monday symbolizes the beginning of the week it also begins Bob’s story.

Born on January 13, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Hazel Dell Cates and Joseph Cates; he was the youngest of five children. During the Great Depression Bob pitched in to help support the family by shining shoes in a barber shop, making deliveries for a local pharmacy and hauling coal from the curb to the basement windows of homes. These years formed the foundation for the incredibly strong work ethic Bob displayed throughout his life.

Bob graduated from Westport High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1946 at the young age of 16 where he received numerous awards in STEM subjects and drafting. When he was 17, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served as a radio technician until his honorable discharge in 1950.

Bob continued his studies while he worked full time, first as a cartographer, then as a draftsman and finally as an engineer in the cooling tower industry. During his career he worked for J.F. Pritchard, TWA, Marley Company and Baltimore Aircoil Company where he was awarded dozens of patents for his inventions in the cooling industry.

On May 26, 1951, Bob married the love of his life, Shirley Sue Allen at the Community Christian Church near Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza. His bride was beautiful in a ballerina-length gown of white organza over satin adorned with organdy roses. The couple honeymooned at the Chase Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, and made their first home in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob and Shirley raised their children, David and Emily, in Overland Park, Kansas, and Annapolis, Maryland. After his retirement in 1994, they move to Kingwood, Texas, and ultimately to The Woodlands, Texas. Bob and Shirley were happily married for 67 years until his passing.

In his younger days Bob was an avid water skier, swimmer, diver and tennis player. In later years he enjoyed watching sports, riding his bike, playing a little golf and doing some consulting after retirement. He always loved spending time with his family, including the many dogs and cats he had throughout his lifetime.

Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley; his son, David (Kelly); his daughter, Emily (Scott); and four grandchildren, Alyssa, Reese, Weston and Landon.

All are invited to the Celebration of Bob’s Life on December 31, 2018, at 12:00 pm at Forest Park, The Woodlands Funeral Home at 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, Texas 77384 with a reception immediately following the service.