Jarrell J. Cathey

Jarrell, 88, went to be with our Lord June 30, 2025. He was born on Jan. 18, 1937 and adopted in February of 1937 by Lee and Inez Cathey. In 2005, Jarrell learned that his birth mother was his favorite aunt and that his birth name was Charles Finney Williams.

While growing up, he attended schools in Putnam City, Ardmore, Shawnee and Oklahoma City and graduated from Central High School in 1955. For two years, Jarrell attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Fraternity and the ROTC Pershing Rifle Drill Team.

Jarrell began his career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company on April 8, 1958. He started as a cable splicer in Oklahoma City, and was eventually promoted to Engineering Manager in Ardmore, OK. He retired November 25, 1995 as a Facility Assignment Manager in Oklahoma City.

While in Ardmore he was elected to serve on the Planning Commission in 1980 by then Mayor Mazola McKerson. At Ardmore Little Theatre, he ran the light board, constructed sets and countless other duties for many productions. Among his passions was running, maintaining and designing the large model train display at the Omniplex in Oklahoma City. He was a member of the Toy Train Operating Society. He was also an accomplished accordion player and studied under the direction of long-time friend Dick Albreski.

Jarrell was also a long-time member of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers, where he was elected as president for two terms.

Jarrell loved classic automobiles. Among his own favorite cars were a Willys Jeep, that he shared with his brother Harrell, a 1956 Chevy Sedan, 1957 Chevy Nomad and a 1984 Hurst Olds Cutlass.

Jarrell married the love of his life Judy Sherman on August 18, 1958. They were married 46 years. They had 1 son Craig Lee Cathey. Jarrell was also a devoted caregiver for Judy, Pearl Sherman (Judy’s mom) and his mother Inez.

Jarrell was baptized at First Baptist Church Oklahoma City and a longtime member. He also attended churches in Enid, Shawnee and Ardmore.

Jarrell was preceded in death by his parents; Lee and Inez Cathey, his wife Judy Cathey and his twin brother Harrell. He leaves behind his son, Craig Lee Cathey & wife Johnna of Claremore, Oklahoma, and grandson Jared Cathey & wife Hilary of Denver, Colorado. He also leaves behind his half-brother Glynn Moore of Ponca City, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Baptist Village of Broken Arrow

2801 N. Birch Ave.

Broken Arrow, OK 74019

Or

Seasons Hospice (www.seasonshospice.com)

A funeral service for Jarrell will be held Monday, July 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.