Services for Thad Jessie Cathey, 90, are 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Criswell Funeral Home, Rev. Steve Wilburn will officiate.  Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Wapanucka.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Thad passed away 6/9/2023 at home surrounded by his family. Thad was born on December 1, 1932, in Indianola, Oklahoma to Joseph and Josie Cathey. Thad entered the US Army in 1948 where he served as Private First Class in the Korean War. He finished serving his second tour in 1954. While serving his country he received a Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal.

Thad married Clara Faye Smith on June 15, 1954, in McAlester, Oklahoma. They relocated to Oklahoma City in 1958, where they made their home for the next 63 years. Thad went to work at Oklahoma City Structural Steel Plant during the days, and Safeway Bakery at night for 30+ years. After his retirement from his two full-time jobs, he went to work at Enterprise Rental Car as a shuttle driver for 5 years, "just to keep busy," before he finally decided to fully retire.

Thad and Clara had three children, Rhonda Wynona, Randall Thad, and Shai Lynn. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Thad enjoyed going on family vacations over the years. He had a passion for fishing and hunting with all the boys.

Thad is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josie Cathey; wife, Clara Faye Cathey; daughter, Rhonda Cathey-Wood; brothers, Doug, Ovie, Paul, Glen, and Dearl Cathey; sisters, Jewel Smith and Maxine Jurgensen.

Thad is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Ladonna Cathey; daughter and daughter-in-law, Shai and Candy Cathey; granddaughters, Jessica Wood, Makenzee Ingle, and Deeandra Watts; grandsons, Chris and Kim Cathey, Thad and Tina Cathey, Randall and Cassie Cathey, and Austin Cathey; great-grandchildren, Courtney, Karrisa, Taylor, Katelyn, Peyton, Thad, Randall, Cori, Cash, Sadie, Macarius, Skyla, Stella, Arya, Christon, Kingston, Princeton, Sheicona, Kaden, and Darias; great-great-grandchildren, Adelyn Kate, Jaxon DeBois, Thad Dean, Brysen, and Leighton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.