Marshall Cator, a legendary cowboy and rancher, was born in 1902 in a sod house near Morse, Texas. His lifelong passion for cattle and ranching began at age 11, when he worked for his uncles and earned a heifer calf as payment. This marked the start of a storied career, during which he held leases on vast historic ranches, including the LX and SL, at times managing nearly half a million acres.
Cator was a hands-on rancher, actively involved in branding, weaning, and shipping cattle. Even as his eyesight and hearing failed in later years, he continued to work cattle, relying on his horse and acute hearing to guide him. Renowned for his roping skills, he was considered one of the best heelers, even as age occasionally caused him to miss his mark.
During the Great Depression, Cator’s resilience impressed bankers, who extended his note after finding him repairing a windmill in brutal weather. His generosity shone in his support of Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, where he funded and dedicated a home for children in memory of his cousin and partner, Vina Hawpe. Upon his passing, he donated over 9,000 acres to the ranch.
In 2000, Cator received the Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award, an honor he humbly downplayed. Known for his integrity, modesty, and legendary cowboy skills, Cator rode horses until just months before his death, shortly before his 100th birthday. He epitomized the enduring spirit of the American cowboy.
