Dan Cathey

At 17 years old, Dan met the love of his life, Janet Lou Fry, who was 15, at a church fundraising car wash. Dan always said she was the prettiest girl there. Their first date was to the Pomona State Fair in 1960, and from that point on, they were inseparable. They married on May 22, 1966, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past May.

Together, Dan and Janet raised two daughters, Christy Hesslen and Liz Huff, who kept them busy and filled their lives with joy. They made countless memories traveling to visit family in California, taking trips to Disney World, attending football games, antique shopping, and simply enjoying Sunday drives together. Family was always at the center of their lives.

Dan spent his entire career with Fort Smith Paper Company, where he worked for more than 50 years and built countless lifelong friendships. His clients were never just clients—they became friends. After his recent retirement, he missed those friendships dearly and continued to talk about the people he had spent so many years serving.

Dan was an active member of West-Ark Church of Christ, where he served in many capacities as a deacon. One of the things he treasured most was serving in the jail ministry for many years. He believed deeply in second chances, redemption, forgiveness, and the mercy of God. His love for the Lord was evident in his words, his actions, and nearly every conversation he had.

His love for his family was just as deep and true, and none of us ever doubted how much he loved and cared for us.

Then came some of his greatest joys—his grandchildren: Hope Harris, Hannah Pierce, Hunter Hesslen, Ben Huff, Elijah Huff, and Jabin Huff. He was the best Papa, constantly outdoing himself with fun, adventures, and antics. He loved time in the pool, trips to Disney World, and being at every ball game, where he was always cheering, encouraging, and proudly supporting his grandchildren.

He loved adding Kevin Hesslen, Christy’s husband, and Jon Huff, Liz’s husband, to the family. He also welcomed Will Harris, Hope’s husband, and Kyle Pierce, Hannah’s husband, with open arms. Kristin Huff, Jabin’s wife, and Edie Huff, Ben’s wife, became just as much a part of the family, and he loved them dearly. He adored every person who became part of his family and never made anyone feel like an outsider.

And then came the next generation—his great-grandchildren, Simeon Huff, Olympia Huff, Remi Harris, Walker Harris, Aubrey Pierce, and Merit Pierce. They brought him another kind of joy, and he loved watching his family continue to grow.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Cathey; his siblings, Bob, Janice, and Keith; and his grandson, Gabriel Adam Hesslen.

Our family has a deep faith and confidence in the power of Christ’s resurrection. On Tuesday evening, September 8, Dan heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Although we miss him like crazy, we rejoice in his victory through Christ Jesus.

Pallbearers are Dan’s grandsons: Ben Huff, Elijah Huff, Jabin Huff, Hunter Hesslen, Will Harris, and Kyle Pierce.

Visitation will be Friday, September 11, 2026, from 1 – 2 PM at West Ark Church of Christ, with the Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 PM. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dan’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Morrilton Children’s Home, two causes that were close to his heart.