Andrew J. Cato

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23On Sunday, July 1, 2007, ANDREW JAMES CATO finished his course and was called by God to an eternal life of rest and peace at the Gilchrist Hospice Center in Towson, MD. Andrew was born October 20, 1932 in Cumberland County, VA. As a young boy, he was raised by the late Royal and Elizabeth Hatcher. His early education was in the Cumberland County School System.Andrew joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cumberland and retained membership through the present. He enjoyed attending the 8:00 services at Faith Baptist Church and attended services as long as he was able.Andrew came to Baltimore, MD as a teenager to live with his aunt, the late Blanche Trent. He attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School for a short period before he quit school to go to work. He was a member of the United States Air Force from 1951-1955. He also belonged to the Air Force Reserves for four years.Andrew met Alice Brown in 1950 and was joined in holy wedlock on October 20, 1956. From this union they reared five children: Patricia, Denise, Darlene, Donna and Duane. James, as he liked to be called, was a loving husband and father. He reared his family with a firm hand and taught each of his children to be self-sufficient. He was also a father figure to many other children.Andrew was employed by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for over thirty years until he became disabled by an injury. Because Andrew had never lost his desire to get a high school education, one of his greatest accomplishments was to receive his high school diploma at age thirty-seven while working at Bethlehem Steel Corporation.Andrew loved people and became part of many organizations. He had a fond liking for sports, fishing and boating. He coached baseball youth teams in his neighborhood. He was a member of the Towanda Neighborhood Association from 1960 to 1970, the Chesapeake Social Club, the American Legion Post #285, and the Pleasant Yacht Club of Sparrows Point.Andrew will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his foster parents, Royal and Elizabeth Hatcher; sisters, Queen Hatcher and Louise Brown; brother, Archie Hatcher; son-in-law, David Miller and daughter, Darlene Cato. Andrew leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Alice; children, Patricia Miller, Denise Cato, Donna Jones and Duane Cato (Donna); grandchildren, David Miller (Nicole), Tamika Hammond, Kelita Hammond, Patrice Miller, Brandon Alexander, and Taryn Jones; great-grandchildren, Donavyn, Justin and Melody; sister, Carol Jean Harris; brothers, Lloyd and LeRoy Hatcher; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Andrew J. Cato

October 20, 1932 - July 1, 2007