Obituaries

Weldon D. Cato

Photo of Weldon D. Cato
Weldon Donald Cato, a longtime resident of Searcy, Ark., passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the age of 82. Born on July 26, 1934, he was the son of Leonard Coyle Cato and Cecil Foye Cato. He was a 1952 graduate of Searcy High School. He was employed as a head meat cutter at Kroger's for 30 years until retiring in 1992. Weldon married the love of his life Paula Jane Hanson on April 16, 1955. Together they raised two daughters with unconditional love and faith in God as a foundation. Their blessings doubled when their daughters married, but their greatest joy as a couple was the grandchildren. Weldon has waited 11 years to reunite in Heaven with his precious PJ. He is survived by two daughters, Lisa Blankenship and her husband Wyck of Little Rock, Ark., and Angie Chiavone and her husband Michael of Ringgold, Ga.; four grandchildren, Alexander Cato Blankenship, Abigail Ruth Blankenship, Brinn Reagan Chiavone, and Evelyn Ruth Chiavone; a sister, Jane Durham and her husband Sam of Searcy; nieces and nephews and their spouses, Shelia Mitchell (Terry), Jeff Durham (Laurie), Tony Benton (Paula), Tonya Miller (Keith), Marty Benton (Cindy), and Shawn Durham (Amy); and a host of grand nieces and grand nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 51 years, Paula Jane Hanson Cato; a sister, Mammie Nell Benton; a brother-in-law Carvilla Benton; a nephew, Donald Lynn Benton. Weldon accepted Christ at an early age and a was member of First Christian Church, serving in many capacities including deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, and board member. He loved the Lord. He was a founding member at The Course at River Oaks and enjoyed many rounds of golf and great friendships while chasing a little white ball. His enthusiasm for golf and great chip shot technique was passed on to his grandchildren Alex and Abby. He enjoyed being outdoors. Many precious hours were spent with the grandchildren fishing at the pond, especially when Brinn and Evelyn were there, then Welhe would have a fishing derby with all the kids. Weldon and the grands have explored every inch of the farm on the four wheeler. Weldon was a humble, God-fearing man who was devoted to his family. He had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor that endeared him to many. The family would like to express their thanks and deep appreciation to the staffs of Parkway Heights, Parkway Health and Baptist Hospice for their care for Weldon. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to Immanuel Baptist Church or Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., Monday, May 15, 2017 until service time at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, Searcy. For online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

Published May 14, 2017

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