Stephen Gary Cates

Steve was born on January 5, 1947, to the Reverend T. Gerald Cates and Jeanette Cates. He grew up in Abilene and attended Cooper High School, graduating in 1965. He then continued his education at Hardin–Simmons University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and English in 1970. During his time at HSU, Steve participated in the ROTC program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Following graduation, Steve served in the United States Army Reserve, eventually rising to the rank of Captain. During his years of service, he studied psychological warfare tactics and combined his artistic ability with communication strategy by designing direct mail advertising materials for Army Reserve recruiting with the 244th Psychological Operations unit. He was honorably discharged in 1978.

Steve’s military work naturally blended his creativity with communication, a combination that would shape the rest of his professional life. Always eager to sharpen his artistic skills, he continued studying design, completing the Famous Artists Illustration and Design Course in 1974 and further expanding his training at the SMU Academy of Visual Communications that same year.

His career in advertising and design began in the early 1970s at the Abilene Reporter-News, where he worked in the advertising department. From there he moved to Newcomb Advertising as a graphic designer, creating print advertisements that reflected his growing talent and eye for detail. His work soon opened new opportunities and led him to Waco, Texas, where he served as Creative Director for Southwest Advertising.

Although his career was expanding, Abilene always felt like home. Steve eventually returned to Abilene, Texas to work for Banyan International Corporation as Marketing Communications Director. During his time there, he designed the exterior of their Stat Kit cases and created much of the company’s direct mail and product literature. His creative work earned numerous Addy Awards for excellence in graphic design.

Through years of experience in design and marketing, Steve recognized a unique need for reusable labeling systems. That insight led him to start his own company, Multicomp, Inc., which produced erasable labels used for everything from file folders to kitchen organization. After many years running his business, Steve later worked for Abilene Printing & Stationery as a literature designer before eventually retiring.

Although Steve was highly skilled in design and photography, the title he cherished most was husband. For 56 years he was the devoted partner of his beloved wife, Raye Hamil Cates. The two met as junior high students at his father’s church, Highland Park Baptist Church, and their lives remained intertwined from that time forward.

In addition to being a loving husband, Steve found great joy in being an uncle. He was especially devoted to three great-nephews and a great niece, whom he cherished as if they were his own grandchildren. He attended, filmed, and photographed their school events and shared with them his love for classic movies and music from the era in which he grew up. He could often be found playing catch with the boys or happily participating in a game of “school” when instructed by the youngest of the three.

Steve is survived by his wife, Raye Hamil Cates; sister-in-law Kaye Baird of Abilene; sister-in-law Sherry Craig and husband Earl of Lubbock; brothers Gerry Cates and wife Carol of Albany and Jonny Cates of Abilene; a niece he loved as his own daughter, Cristal Kumple and husband Richard of Abilene. He is also survived by Cristals children: Chandler Mauldin and wife Mili of Austin, Tucker Mauldin of Abilene, and Morgan Mauldin of Lubbock, nephews Bray Liles of Lubbock, Texas and Andrew and wife Erin of Las Vegas, NV, and many more extended family members. Also left to cherish Steve’s humor, advice, and many memorable stories is his special friend, Kenneth Mauldin of Clyde.

Steve was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Terry Baird, whom he considered his best friend, as well as his parents and his mother-in-law, Peggy Foster.

Steve leaves behind a void that cannot be filled in the hearts of those who loved him. He was a special man—private, thoughtful, and deeply loved—and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

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