Ivan Kay Cates was born April 11, 1942, in Crowell, Texas to James Monroe and Lillian Cates. He went to be with the Lord December 7, 2025, at the age of 83.
He grew up in Foard County, Texas the youngest of six children. He married Judy Howard in Foard City August 24, 1963. They raised three children. Ivan worked as a ranch hand, worked on feedlots, and retired from cowboying to begin Cates Lawn Service. He was a published author, artist, poet and songwriter. And as a talented musician, Ivan loved making music with his friends whether it was playing in fiddle contests, backyards, or in the church band. Ivan was a member of the Southwest Parkinson Society and Southwest Cowboy Poets Association. He and Judy were charter members of Crossroads Country Church where he served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ faithfully.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy; children Tana Cox and husband Johnny, Monty Cates and wife Jana, all of Amarillo, Donna Gleaves and husband Darrell of Borger. Grandchildren Kaylie Massie and husband Kellee, Kenzie Sandefer and husband Clay, Kyle Cox, Jacob Cates and wife Bekah, Joshua Cates, Aaron Buchs, Brecca Ensinger and husband Peter and his great-grandchildren Baker, Wynnlee, Phoebe, Penelope, Ivan, Geordie, Bowen, and Beckett as well as his sister Peggy Tabor of Quanah, Texas and a treasure of extended family and friends.
Ivan was preceded in death by brothers Chumpy, JM, Jerry, and Albert and infant grandchildren James Thomas and Caleb John.
A celebration of life will be Saturday, at 2:00 p.m., December 13, 2025, at Crossroads Country Church 14425 Farm to Market Road 1541 Amarillo, Texas. Interment will be in Crowell, Texas at a later date.
Memorials would be humbly accepted to Crossroads Country Church Box 50608 Amarillo, Texas 79159. Southwest Parkinson Society 3610 22nd St. #300 Lubbock, Texas 79410. Southwest Cowboy Poets Society 9425 W. Costly Rd #A Amarillo, Texas 79119.
Thoughts and prayers are with the Cates family. God Bless. Doug and Cheryl Kalka
Since the loss of my parents, Ivan and Judy were a blessing from the Lord. Definitely going to miss him.
He and judy have been great poet and also Christian friends for 30 plus years. Will miss Ivan so much but he will join so many friends and family in heaven that have gone before him.
I was really young when I met Ivan and I wanted to grow up to be like him. Great, honorable man.
The Cates family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Ivan worked to keep his voice “intentional” while we participated in Loud Crowd speech therapy sessions together (through the Speak Out Parkinson’s Voice Project). He was a joy getting to know, along with you, Judy. The support group will never be the same without you both and you truly made a difference in the lives of many.