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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Earl Cathcart
EARL CATHCART
Cedar Rapids
Earl Norman Cathcart, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, July 6, 2015, at his home. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held one hour before the service. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Earl was born Nov. 8, 1925, in Battle Creek, Iowa, the son of Edmund McKinley and Laura (Durst) Cathcart. He lived in Danbury and Sioux City, Iowa, before moving with his parents to Iowa City. Earl graduated from City High in 1944, where he lettered in basketball, football and tennis. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy the day after graduation and was stationed in New Guinea, Philippines Island and Admiralty Islands aboard a seaplane tender ship.
Earl graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and lettered in tennis for the university. He met his future wife, Shirley Frish, when both were in a mutual friend's wedding party and they married a year later.
He was employed by Dearborn Brass in the sales department for 24 years. Earl traveled throughout the U.S. developing territory with Dearborn manufacturing agents. After leaving the company, he and his wife established and operated a manufacturing agency until they retired. Earl was a member of the Health Club of the old YMCA for over 50 years where he enjoyed swimming and playing handball. He was also a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church, the U of I Alumni Association, the Varsity Club and was a season UI football ticket holder since graduation.
Earl enjoyed the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2011, with his daughter, Ann, and the many letters from friends thanking him for his service. Earl had a quick sense of humor and was well read and informed on current events.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; and daughter, Ann Elizabeth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert Durst Cathcart and his wife, Pauline.
Memorials may be directed to the family in Earl's memory.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.
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