Robert “Bobby” Charles Cathey

Robert “Bobby” Charles Cathey
12/28/1931 – 4/22/2023

Bobby Cathey passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Saturday, April 22, 2023. He was 91 years old. Bobby was born to Wacey Wilbur Cathey and Lillie Mae Martin Cathey in Big Spring, Texas, on December 28, 1931. Bobby grew up closely with his older brother Jack, and they had many mischievous adventures growing up. He lived with and farmed and ranched alongside his Uncle Ed Martin and Aunt Ruth Martin in Coahoma Texas. Bobby graduated from Coahoma High School, and it was there he met the beautiful Mary Ruth Holley and shortly after made her his bride. Bobby and Mary Ruth eloped in New Mexico and married on February 4, 1950. They welcomed two sons, Michael Charles Cathey, on June 29, 1951, and Wacey Wayne Cathey, on June 29, 1953. Bobby was the “backbone” of the Cathey family. He never failed to stand up for his family or any cause he felt worthy of standing up for.

Bobby had an infectious laugh, an ornery grin, and loved a good prank or joke. You have never met a man that worked harder than he did; even up to his last days, he got out on his ranch and worked. Bobby served over 30 years on the Howard County Soil Conservation Board and was County Commissioner for Howard County for two terms. Bobby was one of many who started the Coahoma Roping Club and helped build the arena. At the age of 41, he won the bareback riding at the Rocksprings rodeo in 1972. He has left a 91-year legacy that we will all strive to keep alive and hold true to him. He was larger than life to his grandkids and a hero to our family.

He is survived by his son Mike Cathey and wife Marla; his son Wacey Wayne Cathey and Jeannie; his grandchildren Shelley Cathey Lewallen and husband Shane; Judd Cathey and wife Tara; Kenna Cathey Thomas and husband Wesley; and great-grandchildren Kayley and Hannah Burk; Lizzy Hackler and Blakelee Cathey; and Rhett and Rylan Thomas.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Wacey Cathey and Lillie Mae Cathey (Conner); his Uncle Ed Martin; Aunt Ruth Martin; brother Jack Cathey and wife, Katie Cathey; grandson Sloan Lee Cathey; and most recently the love of his life Mary Ruth Holley Cathey.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Monday, April 24, 2023, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring, Texas. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 am at Trinity Memorial Park on April 25, 2023, in Big Spring, Texas.

The family extends our gratitude and love to special caregivers Ann Davis and Virginia Castillo and Interim Hospice team Rosanna Quintero, who all loved him like their own.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a charitable donation to The Boys Ranch in memory of Bobby Cathey.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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