Obits

Aubrey Vollie "A.V" Cates Jr. ODESSA Aubrey Vollie "A.V." Cates, Jr. was born in Lubbock, Texas on May 20, 1937 to Aubrey Vollie Cates, Sr. and Edith Biggerstaff Cates. He graduated from Lubbock High School in 1955, and would marry Sherry Vernelle Bankhead, also of Lubbock, on January 24, 1959. They welcomed their first son, Carl, on August 8, 1960. After completing his degree from Texas Tech University, A.V. moved his young family to Odessa in 1962. A second son, Marc, arrived on April 3, 1963, and their third and final child, Eric, was born July 23, 1976. Upon arriving in Odessa, A.V. took on the job of teaching Spanish at Permian High School. During his time there, "Señor Cates", as he was sometimes known, enriched his students' education through an exchange program in which his Spanish Club students would meet and interact with students from Chihuahua during a retreat at Prude Ranch in the Davis Mountains. Mr. Cates was often recognized as an outstanding educator. He retired from ECISD in 1994 after a 32 year career. His contributions to education also included classes taught at Odessa Christian School, Midland Christian School, as well as evening courses at Odessa College and UTPB. Throughout his time in Odessa, A.V. was a faithful member at Sherwood Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for many years spanning multiple decades. He passed from this life to the next on July 21, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey Cates, Sr. and Edith Cates; his sister, Anne Wiley, and his brother Raymond Cates. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Cates; son Carl Cates and his wife Kristy of Odessa, Texas; son Marc Cates and his wife Laura of Scurry, Texas; son Eric Cates of Odessa, Texas; sister Sherry Cates - Cantu of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren Bethany, Caleb, Aubrey, Kitra, and Nathaniel, and five great - grandchildren. The family would like to recognize and thank Kristy Cates, Velda Duzan, Laura Cates, and Dr. Faye Armstrong for their exceptional assistance during these difficult times. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Sherwood Church of Christ, 4900 N. Dixie in Odessa, Texas, with Dr. Carl Cates presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made by donating to Odessa Christian School, or to the Cates Family Scholarship through The Community Foundation of West Texas in Lubbock, Texas.

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Robin Gray Bennett ODESSA, TEXAS Robin Gray Bennett, 63, of Odessa, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. Robin was born on October 12, 1961, in Odessa to Martha Nell Chancy. She attended Odessa High School and married the love of her life, Mark Bennett, on December 27, 1996, in Odessa. A dedicated banker, Robin served with Complex Community Federal Credit Union, where she built lasting relationships with colleagues and clients. Her true passion, however, was her family and faith. As the respected matriarch of her extended family, she created a tight - knit "tribe" that was unrivaled across Texas. Robin was deeply involved in seeding churches, raising her grandchildren, and nurturing her family with unwavering love and strength. She is preceded in death by her mother, Martha Chancy Moore. Robin is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Bennett; her daughter, Holly Gray; her sons, Casey Gray, Jade Gray, Mark Bennett, Kevin Bennett, Aaron Bennett, and Brandon Bennett; her sisters, Johnna and Shannon Helmstetler; her brothers, Mark, Wayne, and Morris McKenzie; 18 grandchildren; 9 great - grandchildren; and her beloved 5 poodles. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Odessa Regional, MD Anderson, and StarCare Hospice for their compassionate care. Robin's legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, Please sign her guestbook at www. Sunsetodessa.com

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Delma H. (Hernandez) Molinar PECOS, TEXAS A longtime and devoted Pecos educator, Delma Hernandez Molinar, peacefully passed away on July 22, 2025, at her home in Pecos, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 6, 1936, in Alpine, Texas, to Jesusita and David Hernandez, Sr., Delma lived a life centered on faith, family, service, and education. She was a proud graduate of Alpine High School and earned her degree from Sul Ross State University in 1958. That same year, she began her remarkable 51 - year career with Pecos - Barstow - Toyah ISD, where she served as a coach, history teacher, and later as an elementary reading mentor. She taught and inspired generations of students?especially on the east side of Pecos?leaving behind a legacy marked by her commitment, leadership, and deep care for each child she taught. Mrs. Molinar was more than a teacher?she was a mentor, a role model, and a guiding light for many. Her former students, many of whom went on to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and educators, often shared their respect and admiration for her. Her nurturing spirit and high expectations fostered success in countless lives. Mrs. Molinar was a lifelong and faithful member of Saint Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, where she was actively involved in the community. Even after retirement, she continued her mission of service by volunteering at the local food bank for nearly 15 years. Those who knew Mrs. Molinar will remember her sharp sense of humor, her love for reading, and her joy in spending time with her friends?especially over lunch. She cherished family gathering around the table, visiting about shared memories and the Dallas Cowboys! Mrs. Molinar was known for her delicious cooking during the holidays when the family would get together. These are the moments we will cherish forever. Mrs. Molinar was preceded in death by her husband Raul A. Molinar, her son Mike Molinar, her parents David and Jesusita Hernandez, her brother David Hernandez Jr., daughter - in - law Natalia "Neddie" Molinar, son - in - law Frank E. Hernandez, and nephew David Hernandez III. She is survived by her daughter, Monette H. Molinar of San Angelo, Texas; son Rene Raul Molinar (Belinda) of Odessa, Texas; brother Danny Hernandez (Nora) of Pecos, Texas; grandchildren LaCrisha Ann Molinar, Dee Molinar Marquez (Adrian), Brittany Molinar (Kajuan), and Quincy Raul Molinar (Bianca); great - grandchildren Lane Zapien, Zavien Marquez, Amaris Marquez, Bailey Stanley, Lauren Stanley, and Ian Rene Molinar; and great - great - grandchild Wrenlee Mae Zapien. The family extends heartfelt thanks to her dedicated caregivers over the past 18 months: Mary Lou Reyes Mendoza, Nora Hernandez, Janet Parra, and Crisol Corrales. Visitation for Mrs. Molinar will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Pecos Funeral Home, 607 W. 3rd Street, Pecos, Texas, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Saint Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, 1201 S. Plum Street, Pecos, Texas. Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine, Texas. Mrs. Molinar's life was a testimony to the power of education, faith, and love. Her impact will be felt for generations to come. Pallbearers: Quincy Molinar, Lane Zapien, Adrian Marquez, Daniel Hernandez, Kajuan Stanley, Little Joe Molinar. Arrangements are entrusted to Pecos Funeral Home.

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Reba Dell Beam GRANBURY, TEXAS Reba Dell Beam, 78, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Granbury. All services will be private. Reba was born on March 29, 1947, in Stanton, Texas, to the late Robert & Vivian Cook. She was a long - time member the First Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School. Reba worked for over 25 years as a Law Enforcement Officer in the cities of Odessa and Midland, Texas. Reba is survived by her sons, Landon & Eric McCan; 3 grandchildren; 2 great - grandchildren; and by her sister, Doris Magee. In addition to her parents, Reba was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Beam and by her three siblings, Larry Cook, Bobby Cook, and Karla Belknap.

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