Donald Fredrick Catt

After living a life of kindness and faith, Donald Fredrick Catt went to his heavenly home on October 10, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. Born December 17, 1923, west of Robinson, he was the 11th child of Lester and Emma (Fear) Catt. The family moved to the Port Jackson area, west of Oak Ridge Church, when Don was about three. His boyhood was spent taking care of chores on the family land and attending Oak Ridge Grade School, but he much preferred spending his time mushroom hunting, wading through the blackberry briars, or playing in the crick.

After graduating from Robinson High School in 1942, he worked on construction crews, including helping to build George Field, the military airfield near Lawrenceville. By 1945, he had moved back home, where he married the love of his life, a spirited Port Jackson neighbor, Mary Christine “Chris” Legg, on June 1, 1946. For their honeymoon, Don and Chris took a trip to Paris — not the one in France, but Paris, IL,—a lighthearted start to a lifetime of love and laughter. They built their home in 1947, and for the next 78 years, it was filled with faith, family, and warmth. It was there they raised their three children, hosted countless holidays, and carried on the cherished tradition of Sunday dinners throughout Don’s life.

Retiring in 1988 after working as a caster at Briggs Pottery for 42 years, Don found the adjustment to a life of leisure more difficult than expected. Thanks to Chris’s persistence, his relaxing days were short-lived, and soon he found a renewed passion for his hobbies. He enjoyed cultivating best-of-show vegetable entries in the county fair, mushroom hunting, and anything that kept him outdoors. He especially loved attending the endless sporting events for the grandkids and generally following wherever Chris led.

Retirement also allowed a newfound talent to emerge: writing. Don was a man of few words, but through his writing, his friends and family learned so much more about his early life. Interest in his childhood stories grew, and eventually, people all around the community looked forward to his tales about “the good ol’ days” in his weekly column, "I Remember When…", which was featured in the Argus newspaper. After reading his stories, it’s amazing that he lived past 10 years old, let alone to over 100. He even tried his hand at a novel, which he titled "Willie".

To celebrate his and Chris’s 50th wedding anniversary, his children presented him with a bound version of his stories titled "Life on the Ambraw". Friends and family will continue to cherish these books as a way to remember Don and the life he loved.

A lifetime member of Oak Ridge Church, his faith was an essential part of his life. The church was the foundation of his servant’s heart and played a central role in many family celebrations and gatherings through the years.

Next to his steadfast faith, the most important person in his life was his beloved wife, Chris. They were blessed to be married for 78 loving years until her passing on August 23, 2024.

Don is survived by his three children, Michael (Anita) Catt, Kay (Raymond) Sanders, and Mark (Linda) Catt; six grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren, along with many special nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Alvernes Catt and Emma Loubrady (Fear) Catt; brothers Earnest Melvin, Ralph Emerson, Irvin Alvernes, William Day, Lester Albert, and Walter Leroy; sisters Madge Evelyn, Mary Louise, Anna Lenora, Winnifred Ellen, Audrey Lea, and Lois Irene; and his granddaughter, Gina Lynn Catt.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14th, at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church. For those unable to attend, a recording of the funeral will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to "Oak Ridge United Methodist Church", with envelopes available at both the funeral home and church.

Burial will be in the Port Jackson Cemetery.