Marc Lawrence Cates

Marc Lawrence Cates, 73, of Caledonia, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, in his own bed at home, with loved ones by his side.

Marc was born on June 8, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Herbert U. Cates and Mary Evelyn Cates.

Marc attended Holland Hall High School and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a commission as Second Lieutenant. After graduation, Marc completed military training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Airborne School before being stationed in Babenhausen, Germany, as a Field Artillery officer. He later served as Adjutant of the 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery at Fort Sill and was honorably discharged in 1981 at the rank of Captain. During his military service, Marc was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Award. Marc was incredibly proud of his time at West Point and referred to it as “the best education in the country”.

Following his military service, Marc entered the paper mill industry, where he dedicated 32 years of his professional life. His career took him to Washington, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and ultimately to Maysville, Kentucky where he spent 21 years.

Marc was deeply engaged in the Maysville community. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy. In Maysville, he served for a decade on the boards of the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, including two years as Director, and the Tom Browning Boys & Girls Club, and was active in the Maysville Chamber of Commerce. He was also a proud Kentucky Colonel and perhaps the best town Santa in the state. His smiling face will live on in Christmas ornaments for many years to come.

Known as “Bapa” and “Papa” to his grandchildren—and to many beyond his family—being a father and grandfather was one of Marc’s greatest joys and most meaningful accomplishments. His children and grandchildren were the pride of his life. Whether they knew it or not, he closely followed their lives, adorned his walls with their milestones and experiences, and talked them up to anyone who would listen (or politely pretend to).

Marc is survived by his siblings Lynn Cates and Laurel Cates; by his children Catherine Jackson of Edmonds, Washington; Joseph Cates (Emily) of Portland, Oregon; and Samuel Cates (Sophie) of Los Gatos, California, whom he shared with his former wife, Joan Allen; and by Jacob Cates of Honolulu, Hawaii.

He is also survived by Gwendolyn Kielman (Tony) of Caledonia, Mississippi, a chosen daughter whose love and care meant the world to him in his later years.

He was preceded in death by his brother Matthew Cates.

He adored his five grandchildren with a fierce and joyful love: Arie, Elias, Olivia, James, and Peyton.

Marc was a leader who built community and elevated those around him wherever he went. His legacy lives on in the people he helped grow and the communities he strengthened.

Donations in Marc’s memory may be made to Homes for our Troops (www.hfotusa.org).

Details regarding the scattering of his ashes will be announced at a future date. There will be no public service.