Earl C. Catron

1945 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Eileen and Clifford Catron.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Eileen and Clifford Catron and his brothers James, Hugh and

Paul. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara, and his children, Kelley Catron Howsare (Scott),

Daryl Higdon (Gayle), Robert Catron (Amanda), Michael Catron (Andrada), Robert Greene (Christian),

and Kymberley Catron Cannon (Arthur).

He was a beloved grandfather to Christopher Lancaster (Beckie), Samantha Higdon, Jaime Howsare

Ziegler (Micah), Zoe Howsare, Koraline Jones, Kayden Jones, Colin Catron, Mya Catron, Emily Catron and

Noah Cannon and surrogate great-grandfather to Jule Lancaster.

In addition "Uncle Earl" will be greatly missed by his beloved nieces, Allison Devlin Mitchell (Sean) and

Michaela Devlin Cacic (Ante). Due to Earl losing his siblings early on, his second wife's, Barbara’s, family

became his family and "the big guy", as he was known to them, was greatly loved.

The Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Sunday, June 6th at 2pm at Kraeer Funeral Home,

1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL. (The family will have a private visitation at 1pm). After the

Eulogy we will be inviting guests to share a brief memory or story about how Earl was a presence in their

life.

Earl had a larger-than-life personality, was a friend to everyone and everyone loved him. He graduated

from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale and later in life became very active with the reunion

committee. Earl went on to graduate from University of Notre Dame and was a passionate fan of all

things Notre Dame. He later on in life was involved in the Notre Dame Club in Fort Lauderale where

they would meet and watch the games at a local Irish Pub.

In high school he played the saxophone in two rock-n-roll bands, The Regents and then Joe Banana and

the bunch and went on to Notre Dame to join the marching band. He was an original member of the first

Notre Dame student rock-n-roll band, The Nightlighters, in which he played many gigs to put himself

through college. His friendships with both his high school and college band members would last the rest

of his life. In fact, in later years both sets would get together and jam.

After college, Earl became one of the first city commissioners of Coconut Creek, where he lived with his

first wife Dee. He started in the real estate business in Margate, Florida which eventually became The

Appraisal Office, Inc. when he switched to Real Estate Appraising. He continued to own and run The

Appraisal Office until his passing. In 1988, Earl was elected President of the Pompano Beach North

Broward Board of Realtors and became a Realtor Emeritus in 2008 which he was very proud of.

Through the years, Earl continued to play the sax both professionally with local bands such as “The Five

Boroughs”, “The Low Tides”, and “Chopper and the Lonestar Band”, also backing up some big named

groups such as The Coasters. He also played for the joy of it at weddings including his daughter Kelley’s,

his son Rob’s, and various other relatives who would let him. He even joined in at his own wedding to

Barbara in 1984! His rendition of Amazing Grace brought tears to eyes of guests at his mother’s funeral.

His signature song had to be Harlem Nocturne which always brought the house down.

Earl had many joys in his life including golf with his buddies, attending sporting events such as the

Panthers, the Marlins and most especially Notre Dame football games. He loved entertaining family and

friends, welcoming all who would come to enjoy his dinners and holiday gatherings. He enjoyed

attending the Notre Dame Marching Band reunions and marching on the sacred sod of Notre Dame

Stadium.

For many years Earl played Santa for local business, including Century 21 Tenace, the Kids in Distress

Holiday parties and his own office Christmas parties. He almost never had to stuff the suit!

Earl was a devoted father, grandfather, surrogate father, and uncle. He was always there for anyone

who needed him. In the last month of his life Earl mentioned often that he had had a great life,

wonderful family and friends and that he did it all! Earl was married to his best friend and they were

partners in everything. His absence will be deeply felt by many and he will be sorely missed..