Michael Andrew Cate

Michael Andrew Cate March 23, 1945 September 16, 2016 Michael Andrew Cate passed away in Denver, Colorado on the evening of September 16, 2016. His sudden and unexpected death has left friends and family grieving his loss. Michael was preceded in death by his father Junior Edward Cate, sister Connie Carrier and son, Kary Safley Ballenger. He is survived by his partner of 43 years, Dr. Marcus Taylor Ballenger, his Mom II Lois Cate Clark of Larned, Kansas, Sisters Cindy Huff of Larned, Kansas, Judy Hitchcock of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Christi Tiede (Charlie) of Hays, Kansas, Children Dr. Sheryl Ballenger (Larry Curtin) of Marietta, Georgia, Mark Ballenger (Angie) of Wichita, Kansas. Michael was born in McPherson, Kansas and spent his early years in Rice, Barton and Stafford counties. He graduated from Saint John High School as valedictorian of his class. Michael graduated from Kansas State University in 1968 where he was a senator, member of Delta Upsilon, and varsity cheerleader. After graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served two years in the Medical Service Corp in Viet Nam. Upon returning to Kansas, Michael entered Wichita State University and earned his Masters in Speech/Language Pathology and began working for the Derby Public Schools. He returned to Wichita State University in 1993 and completed another degree in Audiology. Michael continued to serve the Derby Schools as an Audiologist until his retirement in 2001. Marcus and Michael spent many happy years in their home in Ouray, Colorado and then in 2011 made a permanent move to Colorado from Wichita, Kansas. Michael was much loved and loved much in return. Memorials may be made in memory of Michael to the Kansas State University General Scholarship Fund, 1800 Kimball Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502. A Memorial Service is scheduled for October 15, 2016, 2 p.m. at Downing & Lahey Mortuary, 6555 East Central Ave, Wichita, Kansas 67206.