Myrel Raymond Cathey

Myrel Raymond Cathey Jr, 89, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully October 16, 2018. Myrel is the son of Myrel Raymond Cathey Sr and Josephine (Davy) Cathey. He was born on July 31, 1929 and was a lifelong resident of Wichita. As a boy, Myrel became a member of Boy Scout Troop 32 that was sponsored by West Side United Brethern Church; this church connection grew as his entire family eventually attended there. Myrel attended Wichita North High School and then at age 17, he entered the U.S. Navy serving as a steel worker and welder with the 103rd Naval Construction Battalion on the island of Guam (Seabees).

Myrel and his life partner of 68 years, Laura Ann (Dickerson) Cathey married on May 26, 1951 in Newkirk, Oklahoma. They proceeded to enjoy a life together immersed in the love of family with three children, eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. While enjoying time with family and friends was Myrel’s passion, he was also a sports enthusiast, playing baseball and basketball in his early adult years. As his children grew this evolved into a love for teaching and coaching that allowed him to impact not only his own sons, but also numerous other boys as they grew into young men. This was paralleled by his desire to watch all his children’s church and school events! He never missed a one.

Myrel’s work career following the Navy began as a steel worker at the Sante Fe Railroad yards repairing boxcars. From there he moved on to work at the Kansas Gas and Electric Company; a career which started as an assistant surveyor and ended when he retired as a senior estimator 35 years later.

Retirement years were filled with travel and play. If not on a motorcycle trip with friends in the “Retreads,” Myrel and Laura were following children and grandchildren to soccer tournaments or the lake. More recent years have found them home with their dog Buddy, attending Aldersgate United Methodist Church and still enjoying outings with the family.

Myrel was preceded in death by his parents, Myrel Sr and Josephine Cathey; his brother Frank Duane Cathey; and son-in-law, Don Pennock. He leaves behind: his wife Laura, of 68 years; two sisters, Betty Glenn and Beverly Nicholson; two brothers, Bob Cathey (wife Bonnie) and Tom Cathey (wife Deanna); two sons Mark Cathey (wife Harolyn) and Scott Cathey (wife Chris); one daughter, Connie Pennock; nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren with more to come.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Services will be held 10AM Tuesday October 23, 2018 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS. Following the service, there will be a procession to White Chapel Memorial Cemetery with a short service at grave site.