Jack Doyle Cato, age 93, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Friday November 9, 2018. Jack was born Wednesday May 6, 1925 in Monroe City, Indiana to Irene Wilson Cato and Asher Ralph Cato. He was welcomed by older brother, Charles Cato.
Jack grew up in a small farm community, in Monroe City, Indiana, where his extended family resided. Jack was fondly known as Jackie. He loved to go to dances with cousin, Pat Dayson. He had a great sense of humor and told his children about the pranks he pulled on his school teacher, who happened to reside at his house. Jack was a member of the Methodist Church, growing up attending activities and events at the church. He frequently spoke of the wonderful fried chicken the ladies of the church made for potlucks. Jack graduated high school in Monroe City in 1943. He served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 as Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class and was stationed in both New Orleans, Louisiana and Pensacola, Florida. He attended Indiana University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Business in 1949. Jack loved dancing and performed in the Blocks Follies in the 1950's while employed as a toy buyer. Jack worked for Mobil Oil, in the Tax Division, for thirty-six years.
Jack married his love, Katherine Paisley Harwood, Saturday June 27, 1959, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The couple enjoyed 54 amazing years before Katherine’s passing on Wednesday February 27, 2013. The couple had three beautiful children Wilson Woodside (Bill), Katherine Bethune (Kathy), and Mary (Molly) Paisley. They enjoyed the addition of their grandchildren Charles Ryan James, Maggie Katherine James, Tori Wallis, and Greg Wallis. They happily welcomed son-in-law Andy James and daughter-in-law Debbie Wallis. The family often fondly referred to Jack as JD. Jack cherished his family and shared a special bond with his grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as Popo.
Jack loved to be on the back porch of his home where he most likely could be found enjoying a martini and watching his two grandkids play. He enjoyed gardening and spending time outside, relaxing in the fresh air. Jack was an expert Gardner and had a passion for caring for his yard and patio, loved flowers of all kinds, and enjoyed tending to his numerous house plants. He loved summer trips to Galveston, Texas spending time on the beach; traveling to return to his home state of Indiana to visit his Uncle Ivel’s lodge in French Lick as well as seeing other family and friends in the Hoosier State. Toward the end of his career and during retirement, he and Paisley enjoyed cruises for twelve consecutive years. He also enjoyed trips to Europe. Jack loved to shop and was know by name at stores such as Neiman Marcus, C&S Hardware, The Kent Shop, and Larry’s Shoes. He was a member of the Cooper Aerobics Center and was featured in an advertisement for Channel 5 News swimming in a pool. Jack loved entertaining both friends and family, especially his friends at Mobil. He gained an appreciation for fine dining during his years traveling to New York City on business. Jack loved jazz, big band music, and songs from the 1940s era. His favorite song was Stardust, written by fellow Kappa Sigma, Hoagy Carmichel. He also loved Bert Bacharach and Herb Alpert. His favorite color was green. Jack was a toy buyer for Blocks Department Store in the 1950s and had a love for fine dolls and stuffed animals; a highlight of this position was meeting Madam Alexander.
Jack will always be remembered for his positive demeanor and beautiful blue eyes. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved his country and was proud of his service in the United States Navy. He always found humor in life and loved to spend his time fully engaged in the presence of others.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife Katherine Paisley Cato; mother Irene Wilson Cato; father Asher Ralph Cato; brother Charles Cato; and grandson Greg Wallis.
Jack is survived by; son Wilson "Bill" Woodside Cato and his wife Debbie Wallis of Centennial, Colorado; daughter Katherine "Kathy" Bethune Cato of Raleigh, North Carolina; daughter Mary "Molly" Paisley James and her husband Andrew “Andy” James of Lucas, Texas; grandson Charles Ryan James, granddaughters Maggie Katherine James and Tori Wallis; many extended Family members; good friends Jerry Nash and Morris Grimm, coworkers at Mobil and his Lunch Bunch Group; and many other friends.
Jack’s family would like to thank the staff at Traditions Assisted Living for their continued loving care of their beloved father/grandfather.
A memorial service for Jack will be held Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Traditions Assisted Living 5555 Arapaho Road Dallas, Texas 75248
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack's memory may be made to Indiana University and/or USO.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Cato family
