MSgt. Bennie E. Cate , USAF (Ret)

Bennie Cate passed away January 17, 2023, after an extended illness. Bennie was born on January 13, 1937 and has been a resident of Bossier since 1970, arriving after a 4 year period in Minot, North Dakota, continuing Service at Barksdale AFB. After 23 years with the Air Force, Bennie retired as a Master Sergeant and began a new career as a Biomedical Technician, serving the Bossier and Shreveport medical community. He was never without a job. When one ended, another began immediately. Someone was always in need of his talent. Bennie was always there to help anyone in need and always provided a resolution to life’s trials. Bennie enjoyed hunting and fishing, although the later was his passion. Through this affection, he acquired many lifelong friends and people he enjoyed spending time with. Bennie’s best friend was himself and taught others the importance of liking one’s self; something most individuals walk through life without ever considering. He reflected the need of self-reliance. When life got tough, Bennie never complained, up to and including, the final trip to join his loved ones in Heaven. Bennie is preceded in death by his wife Merle Cate; son, Steven Cate; parents, Leonard and Nettie Cate; sister, Doris Ely; brother, Lawrence Cate and sister-in-law, Betty Cate. He is survived by his son, Mark Cate and wife Terri; daughter-in-law, Abby Cate; grandchildren, Amber Morgan and husband Eric, Erin McCoy and husband Cody and Dalton Cate; two great grandchildren; and brother, Warren Cate. Services will be held to celebrate the life of MSgt. Bennie E. Cate at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jeffrey Williams officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Hill Crest Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Eric Morgan, Dalton Cate, Albert Castillo, Jasper Castillo, John Olvera and Bobby Mowry.