Michael Eugene Cater Sr.

Michael Eugene Cater, Sr., 82, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away at his home on Friday, July 3, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Mike was born on November 1, 1943, to Ida Carolyn Axe Cater and William Danford Cater. He was raised in Emporia, Kansas, by his mother, Ida, and his grandparents, Ethel and Herbert Axe, and later by his stepfather, Dean Olson.

He graduated from Pomona High School in 1961, where he met his future wife Barbara Hook. The two were married in 1962 and shared many years of love, family, and devotion together.

Following high school, Mike attended Baptist Bible College. He later completed HVAC training at Johnson County Community College and additional specialized training courses with Honeywell. Throughout his life, Mike held a variety of jobs, beginning as a newspaper carrier and grocery stocker in his youth. He began his career as a salesperson for Kraft Foods and then a manager of the K-68 Drive-In in Pomona, Kansas. He later applied for a position at King Radio, arriving with a screwdriver and ballpoint pen tucked in his front pocket, and earned the job he cherished most. He transferred with the company to Honeywell in Olathe, retiring as a Senior Maintenance Technician.

Retirement suited Mike well. It gave him the opportunity to pursue many of the things he loved most, including building sheds, gardening, and writing books about Christianity. A man of deep faith, Mike was active in church life for many years. He was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, the University of Kansas football and basketball teams, and Kansas State University's football and basketball teams.

Mike loved working with his hands and took great pride in being able to fix almost anything. He enjoyed solving problems, figuring things out, and tackling projects around the home. A true handyman, he was often assisted by his trusted helper—YouTube. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his children develop the same skills and resourcefulness he cherished.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Cater; his children, Michael Eugene Cater, Jr. (Chris), Teresa Marie Cater, Janette Lyn Funk (Loren), Arthur Raymond Cater, and Steven Wayne Cater (Rebecca); 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and his brother, William Cater (Caroline).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Carolyn Olson and stepfather Raymond Dean Olson; and his grandparents, Ethel and Herbert Axe. His father William Danford Cater; and grandparents Rev. William D. and Charlette Lesher Cater.

Mike will be remembered for his faith, his resourcefulness, his love for family, and his willingness to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in the family he loved so dearly.

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