Roy Eugene Cato Sr. was born November 8, 1944, in Marshall Texas to the union of the late John Henry Cato Sr. and Beatrice Smith. He was the beloved youngest of seven boys in the Cato family. At a very early age, Roy accepted Christ at Canaan Baptist Church. He spent over a half century serving and worshiping as a deacon and a faithful member. Roy attended Pemberton High School and furthered his career by joining the U.S. Army where he served his country. Roy began working for Darko/Norit Americas Inc. where he retired after more than 30 years.

To the union of Roy Cato and Lorine Morris, three children were born: Roy Jr., Marcia and Denise Cato.

Roy enjoyed a competitive game of dominoes. He traveled to Houston and Dallas and participated in domino tournaments where he won several trophies. He never turned down a game and one of his memorable sayings is that "I will spot you and still beat you." Some of Roy's favorite past times included watching the Dallas Cowboys and Western's. Roy was an active member of the Masonic lodge for many years.

Roy was preceded in death by his first-born son, Roy Cole, his parents John Henry Cato Sr., and Beatrice Smith Cato. His siblings: John Henry Jr. (Sampson), Ruby Lee, Doris Marie, Waymond (Little Brother), Alvin, Joseph, Hobert and Fannie Louise.

Roy leaves to cherish his memory: Sibling Gwendolyn (Lyn); children, Roy Jr. (aka Pookie) (Janet), Marcia (Courtney) and Denise. Grandchildren: Shakeitha Jones, Tuareaan Stovall (Brenden), Tielar Richard, Bailey Richard and Daniel Cato. Great Grandchildren: Jada Stovall, Avion Stovall and Brenden Stovall, Jr. A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Roy's lifelong friend Fredrick Alford (Sarge) and John Cox (his driving buddy). A special sister-friend, Annie Foster (Lionel Garrett).

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 30, 2024, at the funeral home.