Dick Dowling Cato

Dick Dowling Cato died Friday, March 23, 2012. He was born on February 19, 1917, in Marshall, Texas to Richard Dowling and Bess (Weaver) Cato. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1935 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1936. After assignments at various locations in the United States, Mr. Cato was sent to Europe in 1943 during WWII. While stationed in England, he met Kathleen Crampton. On May 25, 1945, shortly after VE Day, they were married in Stamford, England. They were married for 59 years. Kathleen died on September 20, 2004 in Abilene, Texas.

Following WWII, Dick and Kathleen enjoyed assignments in Europe and the United States and first moved to Abilene in 1957. After a two-year assignment to Great Falls, Montana, they returned to Abilene in 1963 upon Dick’s retirement from the Air Force.

Mr. Cato worked in the auto service and repair business and ultimately retired from Hoppe Auto Electric. He and Kathleen owned and operated La Casita Toys and Gifts for 20 years.

Mr. Cato’s military awards include the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and numerous other commendations and citations. He took great pride in serving his country and in that regard, never really retired. He was a member of the Air Force Association, Eighth Air Force Association, and attended reunions of his old prewar and wartime units especially the 55th Pursuit Squadron and the 20th Fighter Group. He was also proud of his Texas heritage being the great nephew of Lt. Dick Dowling, the hero of the Battle of Sabine Pass.

Mr. Cato was predeceased by his parents, older sister, Marjorie Hopson and his twin sister Doris York, who also died on March 23, one year ago.

He is survived by his sons, Richard Cato and wife Peggy of Modesto, CA; Colonel George Cato, USAF (Ret) and wife Brooke of The Hills, TX; and daughter Colleen Doss and husband Tom of Lubbock, TX; eight grandchildren, John Cato and wife Julie of San Ramon, CA; Richard Cato and wife Shannon of Modesto CA; Leigh DuBose and husband Nathan of Austin, TX; Ann Bernard and husband Tollie of Austin, TX; Maggie Habayeb and husband Jay of Houston, TX; Derek, Stephanie, and Kristin Doss of Lubbock, TX; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces Leana Westergaard and husband Frederick of Waskom, TX and Jacquelynn York of Marshall, TX, daughters of his twin sister, Doris.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander Street, Abilene, TX with the Reverend Luke Back officiating. Internment, with military honors, with be in Elmwood Memorial Park immediately following the service. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M., Wednesday evening at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Air Warrior Courage Foundation – Christmas Hope program in Mr. Cato’s honor would be appreciated. This foundation provides support for combat casualties, and/or their families, being cared for at military hospitals. www.airwarriorcourage.org