Randy Rex Cates

1952 - 2024

MODOC- Randy Rex Cates went to his heavenly home Wednesday afternoon, April 10, 2024, following a brief battle with leukemia (AML). He was born on March 28, 1952 in Winchester, Indiana, to Rex and Pauline (Clevenger) Cates. He was a 1970 graduate of Union High School where he was an outstanding student and athlete, notably basketball, track (shotput), and baseball (pitching). He received a degree in Animal Science from Purdue University in 1974. At Purdue, he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. While in college, he was on the Purdue University National Champion Livestock Judging Team in 1973. When Purdue won the NIT in 1974, Randy was there to cheer them on as Purdue Pete.
After college, Randy returned home to the family farm in Modoc, IN. Along with his father, Rex, and brother, Brian, they established Cates Farms Shorthorns. Today Cates Farms is recognized as one of the most prominent and successful Shorthorn herds in North America, with son, Tanner, and nephew, Tyler, joining their dads in the operation. The annual autumn Cates Farms sale has marketed cattle to neighboring Indiana Shorthorn enthusiasts and to breeders across the United States and Canada.
On April 7, 1979, he married Janet Pittenger. The two of them enjoyed 45 years of marriage, and have two sons, Garett and Tanner.
Randy judged numerous 4H cattle shows and major livestock shows in the U.S. and Canada. He has been recognized as the Indiana Young Cattleman of the Year, Builder of the Breed from the American Shorthorn Association, the Indiana Livestock Breeders' Hall of Fame, and most recently, the Bob Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana Beef Cattle Association.
Randy's favorite pastime outside of work, family, and friends was being on the golf course. Outside of being with the people he loved, fewer places made him happier. Two of his primary accomplishments over the years were 2 hole-in-ones and golfing an average of 36 holes per day for 5 days straight on the big annual golf trip to Florida that he and various friends and family took for over 40 years.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Cates; son Garett (Katie) Cates; son Tanner Cates; granddaughter Charlotte Cates (who brought him so much joy); brother Steve (Jane) Cates; and brother Brian (Angie) Cates. Along with nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends, Randy was loved and respected by so many, that to name them all would be impossible.
The family would like to thank Dr. Amit Bansal (Oncology), the nursing staff and hospice at Reid Health in Richmond, IN for all the care and support they gave Randy and the family; all the family and friends for the thoughts, prayers, support they have given over the last half year during Randy's battle with cancer; most of all, the Lord Jesus Christ for the life He gave Randy here on earth and the eternal life he is living now in heaven.
Calling hours will be on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at Fellowship Baptist Church at 2204 South Macedonia Avenue, Muncie, IN 47302 with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Losantville.
The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel, is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.
The family requests donations be made to Cancer Services for Randolph County, 133 N. Meridian Street, Winchester, IN 47394.
Randy's passing leaves a void that will be felt by many for a long time, but his legacy and impact on all those who knew him will remain forever.