Mr. Pastor Cato

On April 23, 1917, Curtis was delivered into the loving arms of William and Mattie Cato, in Mansfield, LA. He was surrounded by five sisters and one brother who shared their childhood in love, learning and growth. Being born in the South in 1917, Curtis's life was full of both challenges and victories. He witnessed great progress in the world. He experienced the beginning of the common use of electricity, indoor bathrooms, automobiles, televisions, computers, home phones to cell phones. He endured segregation, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights movement and rejoiced in the election of our first African American President. His lifelong passion was to lead people to safety, and in doing so, he brought his family, trip after trip out of the south. However, through it all, he was a man clearly grounded in the word and work of God. Curtis married Evelyn Grace and to this union three children were born, Curtis Jr., Zanita, and Willie. He and Evelyn shared 62 long loving years together, guiding their children, and building a wonderful life together until her passing. On September 13, 2000, Curtis and Iris Williams were joined in holy matrimony. They served faithfully as co-shepherds of Grace Temple Church of God In Christ, building God's Kingdom. Curtis worked for DC Trucking, as a mechanic for many years. He freely used the knowledge he gained to serve the church. He drove the church bus to conventions and picked up members for Sunday school. He was able to help keep the bus on the road, while allowing those without transportation to attend worship services. Pastor Curtis Cato, Sr. was an anointed man of God. He loved the Lord and he loved teaching and preaching His Word. Pastor Cato graduated from Charles Mason Bible College in Memphis, TN. He served as Pastor of Grace Temple COGIC for 34 years and District Sunday School Superintendent for the Metropolitan District for 27 years. Acts 20:27-28 says "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God... the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood". Pastor Cato was known as "Mr. Sunday School" for his 55 years of educating the local body of believers and the work with the International Churches of God In Christ. He was instrumental in leading many souls to the knowledge and belief in Christ as well as guiding believers into a deeper understanding of God's word. II Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." He was a wise teacher, profound gospel preacher, and a cheerful giver. He dedicated his life to God and the service of the people of God. He was a humble servant, kind, gentle, with a warm sense of humor. He had style, grace, and most of all he reflected the love of God. Pastor Cato received many acknowledgments, honors, and awards for his dedication, perseverance, faithfulness and integrity. In 2014, he received two awards; he was the first recipient of the "D.J. Young Award" given by Bishop Alton Golden, Superintendent of the COGIC International Sunday School department, and from the Jurisdiction of Colorado by Bishop Roosevelt Dunn and Superintendent Maxwell. He, along with Mother Burrell, led Colorado to the international church. In the winter of his life, Pastor Cato never lost his passion for serving God. He was able to attend worship services on Easter Sunday and went to heaven that afternoon to celebrate the Risen Savior. Pastor Curtis Cato, Sr. departed his earthly body on April 5, 2015 and now resides in his heavenly mansion not made by human hands. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 15 years, Iris Cato, one sister Hattie McGee, San Diego, CA, three children Azzie Smith, Mansfield, LA, Curtis (Betty) Cato, Jr., and Zanita Cato, nine grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, 27 great- great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, church family and friends.   How can a Preacher die? When the words he speaks, are words of life. How can a Preacher die? When the life he has lived, was full of sacrifice? How can a Preacher die? When each day he stands tall among men. How can a Preacher die? When so many are saved, he turned from sin. How can a Preacher die? When he lives in the heart of so many living How can a Preacher die? When so many who are now blessed received from his giving. How can a Preacher die? When every step he makes, they're ordered by God. How can a Preacher die? When the very nature of his life is to work hard. How can a Preacher die? When people everywhere knows him by sight and name. How can a Preacher die? When he goes with and without, and always remains the same. How can a Preacher die? When he blesses the birth and witnesses the death. How can a Preacher die? When he listens to troubles, and prays with each breath. He cannot die, as long as we live, He cannot be forgotten, As long as we give thought to every sermon, Mind to every lesson, Memory of every topic, that brought about our confession. He cannot die, when each of us is a part so, immortal. His life he can never be buried beneath the soil of dust. He will always live, because he will live in us.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 4/24/2015 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/25/2015 at 11:00 AM - Odom Memorial Church of God In Christ - 3301 Williams Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 4/25/2015 - Following the Service Highland Cemetery - 10201 Grant Street Thornton, CO
Family Gathering: 4/25/2015 - Following Interment Grace Temple Church of God In Christ - 901 South Monaco Parkway, Denver, CO