GLEN CARBON — Deacon Jerry L. Cato II, 52, of Edwardsville, passed away at his home on Oct. 12.
He was born Jan.17, 1968 in Granite City, a son of the late Jerry and Patricia Jane (Piggott) Cato.
He married Linda G. (Presson) Cato on June 21, 1990 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Edwardsville and she survives.
Deacon Cato was ordained on June 20, 2009 and served at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Glen Carbon, where he was a faithful and active member of the parish. He was very involved with many groups with the church and truly loved working with the youth group for many years. He was a member of the St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus and proudly served his country with the United States Army. He worked for R.P. Lumber in Edwardsville with 26 years of dedicated service in sales.
Deacon Cato was known for being funny and making others laugh. He loved flying and enjoyed his years as a licensed pilot and his many travels to Florida. He cherished his children and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his entire family, church family and many friends.
In addition to his beloved wife of 30 years, he is survived by his five children, Kayla and husband, Steven Rader of Caseyville, Andrew Cato of Caseyville, Lindsey Sykes of Caseyville, Jami Harris of Caseyville and Rebecca Harris of Roxana; 10 grandchildren, Lacey, Jacob, Breanna, Bradley, Hailey, Shane, Sierrah, Carleigh, Zachary and Brayden; seven great-grandchildren, Amelia, Arayah, Jameson, Malcolm, Hudson, Patrick III, Maddix and one on the way; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul and Kerri Cato of Belleville and Jason and Jennifer Cato of Cahokia; other extended family and friends.
In addition to his beloved parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Blaine A. Rader and a great-granddaughter, Faith E. Durbin.
In celebration of his life, a private visitation was held at Irwin Chapel in Glen Carbon on Oct. 15, and a public drive-through visitation followed. A private visitation and funeral Mass of Christian Burial were held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Glen Carbon on Oct. 16. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki celebrated and Father Donald Patrick Gibbons concelebrated.
Burial was at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville.
Memorials may be made to the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, BJC Hospice or to the St. Cecilia Youth Group.