Thomas "Tom" Earl Cathey Sr

Thomas (Tom) Earl Cathey Sr., age 92, of Covington, TX, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 15, 2024. Born on August 22, 1931, in Fort Worth, TX, Tom was passionate about family, country music, flying, and travel. Known for his sharp one-liners, he was always the life of the party, ready to entertain.

Tom’s heart beat in rhythm with the strings of his steel guitar. His musical journey began at the age of 14, and by 24, Tom had become one of the most accomplished and sought-after pedal steel players and a staple of the Texas music scene. Tom played well into his 80s, where his performances were not just shows; they were heartfelt tributes to the genre he adored.

Tom earned his pilot’s license in 1979. Alongside his wife Ruby, Tom flew to numerous gigs and steel guitar conventions across the country. When not in the air, he enjoyed driving his family on long summer vacations.

Tom’s relentless work ethic propelled him to Superintendent at General Motors in Arlington, where he exemplified dedication and leadership. He retired in 1986 at 55 years old. He then bought and managed the Aquilla Creek Ranch for the last 37 years of his life and could always be found tinkering with new projects in his workshop. Tom had a gift for taking a broken piece of farm equipment and rebuilding it to surpass its original condition.

Tom is survived by five children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: son Earl Cathey (wife Nancy, five grandchildren (Christopher, Sean, Angie, Debbie, Anthony) and two great grandchildren (Luke and Nadia), son Dennis Curtley (wife Janet, granddaughter Jamie), son David Cathey, daughter Sheree Harmon (husband Tom, grandson Marcus), daughter Debbie Totah (husband Alan, grandson Austin, and granddaughter Lauren), his beloved sister, Billie Sue Holdridge (husband Gene and their children, Chip and Tiffany Higgins and their families). Tom had an extensive extended family by marriage to Jane Applegate Cathey in 1997 with two stepdaughters, Robin Johnson and Kristi Wilson and many step grandchildren (Becca, Amy, Robert, Brandy, Jodi, Luke, Jesse, and Regina).

Tom is predeceased by his beloved wife Ruby Lee Cathey, late in life wife Jane Applegate Cathey, and wife Charlyne Langley.

Tom’s legacy will resonate through the chords of every song played in his memory; a lasting echo of a long life beautifully lived.

To read the full obituary and many wonderful photos, go to: https://rb.gy/3dtrxa