Robert Emmett Cater
Robert Emmett Cater, age 94, of San Antonio, Texas went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Emmett was born on April 26, 1930 in Taylor, Texas. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. As a youngster, he attended Moye Military School in Castroville, Texas. He graduated as valedictorian from St. Edward’s University High School in Austin, Texas. While there, he was president of the junior and senior class, lettered two years in football, and was editor of the school newspaper and the yearbook. In addition, he was a member of the Texas National Guard, Headquarters-Finance Section, Camp Mabry for two years. Emmett was a member of the rifle team and a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. His time at Notre Dame was temporarily interrupted when he entered the Marine Corps and was stationed in Santa Ana, California for two years. He was assigned to the Marine Corps Aircraft Intelligence Pacific Headquarters and medaled as an Expert Rifleman.
After graduation from Notre Dame, Emmett became a partner in his dad‘s business, the National Five & Dime Hardware and Electric in New Braunfels, Texas. After a few years, he moved to San Antonio, graduated from St. Mary’s Law School, and worked for several years as an Assistant District Attorney in the Criminal Section and then as Assistant District Attorney, Chief of the County Affairs Section. In addition, he was the legal advisor, for seven years, to the Commissioner’s Court and to the Bexar County Hospital District. Once he left the District Attorney’s Office, he was in private practice from 1972 to 2008, when he retired.
Throughout his life, Emmett proudly served his community in many ways. He was past Commander of American Legion Post #10, past president of the Catholic Lawyer’s Guild, cofounder and First Grand Knight of the New Braunfels Council of the Knights of Columbus, a past president of the Alamo Council of Campfire Girls, was treasurer of The Patrician Movement for 43 years and was a member of the Sacred Heart Family Guild for over 25 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Irene Medlock Cater and Sam Joseph Cater, his sister, Nancy Cater Jamail, and one nephew, Scott Cater Jamail. Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Claire Cater; his two daughters Lisa Cater (David) Hutson and Vanessa Wakefield and one son, Robert Emmett Cater, Jr.; one stepdaughter, Nancy Retzloff, and three stepsons, Mark (Tammie) Retzloff, Scott (Stacy) Retzloff and Matthew (Monique) Retzloff; one grandson, Randall Emmett (Julie) Wakefield; two step-granddaughters, Kourtni Retzloff and Payton Retzloff; seven step-grandsons, Kyle (Molly) Retzloff, Cole (Bridget) Retzloff, Tyler Retzloff, Shane Retzloff, Quinn Retzloff, Ryan Retzloff, and Jake Retzloff; one great-granddaughter, Reese Wakefield and one great-grandson, Rhett Emmett Wakefield; three step-great-granddaughters, Ella Claire, Maddie Rose, and Elizabeth Ann Retzloff; two nephews, Tim (Michelle) Jamail and Bryan (Maravec) Jamail.
A Celebration of Life Liturgy will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Father Ken Hannon, OMI officiating. A reception will follow at the church.
Emmett’s body has been donated to The University of Texas Medical School. On behalf of the family, we wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the exceptional care and compassion provided by the following: Rose Marie Robledo and Donita Coronilla, the entire staff from Gentiva Hospice in San Antonio and San Marcos, and Emil Hemphill and James Lee from The Gift of Giving Private Care.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Emmett’s life was a testament to the enduring power of God’s amazing love, family, and faith. He will be deeply missed, but forever remembered in the hearts of those he touched.