Robert "Rob" L. Caton III

Robert “Rob” Lindsay Caton, III, passed away after a lengthy illness on August 25th. A prolific fisherman and duck hunter, he also ran marathons and read spy thrillers. His life’s work, however, was helping people prepare for and navigate through some of life’s most stressful situations through the medium of insurance. His partner in business and in life was Betty Williamson Caton, whom he loved dearly. Rob was a fifth-generation Tylerite who attended Birdwell Elementary, Hogg Middle School and Robert E Lee High School. Summers were spent at Camp Cimarroncita in New Mexico, pitching for the Apache Little League teams and playing pickup baseball on the empty lot by his home on the corner of Chilton and Hamvasy. Rob chose to attend the University of Arizona, where the dove hunting was excellent, and served as president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, completed Officer Candidate School and served as First Lieutenant in the 5th Armored Division stationed in Baumholder, Germany. Afterwards, he returned to Tyler and assumed leadership of the RL Caton Insurance Co., a post he held for 60 years. Upon retiring, countless individuals, families, and businesses continued to seek him out with insurance questions and emergencies because he had always handled everything so seamlessly. When not at the office, Rob fished and hunted with a few close friends, played spectacularly entertaining and competitive racquetball matches, served on the boards of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of East Texas and Tyler Young Life, and coached his twin daughters’ softball teams – leading one team to a city championship. A gentleman’s gentleman (who disliked social events), he spent many weekends cooking, baking, and delivering fresh bread to friends. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he ushered, volunteered with the Loaves & Fishes ministry, and completed the four-year Education for Ministry lay theological education program developed by the School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South. He and Betty were avid Texas Rangers fans, finally rewarded with a singular World Series Championship. Perhaps his most lasting legacy is one for which he’ll never be known, quietly helping the “underdogs” and those needing assistance. Rob is survived by his faithful wife of 25 years Betty, his daughters Carrie and son-in-law Evans Smith, Sarah and son-in-law David Wynne and Claire Caton; sister Carol Clark and husband, Gib; stepdaughter Charlotte Fountain and son-in-law David; and six grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are Clint Roxburgh, Taylor Burns, Ross Wynne, Hampton Pillsbury, Don Wheeler, Ben Fountain, and Ryan Fountain. His family is particularly indebted to Lee Johnson and her team of caregivers, Katie Johnson, Jennifer Rollins, Valencia Drawhorn, Shawanda Black, Mauseleate Bowie and Sandra Sandfield, for their unconditional love and patience. A memorial service and reception will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Tuesday, September 1, following a private burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Christ Episcopal Church’s Loaves & Fishes ministry (www.christchurchtyler.org) or your favorite charity.

Robert "Rob" L. Caton III

August 27, 1944 - August 25, 2026