Donald Richard Catlin

Donald Richard Catlin, age 86, affectionately known as Yeobo, Dad, Grandpa and "Golden Boy" by those he served with at Osan Air Base in Korea, was made free of all earthly tribulations and welcomed into Heaven on September 23, 2024.  Don was born on May 10, 1938, in Binghamton, New York.  An active member of the Civil Air Patrol in his youth, Don was naturally drawn to a calling to serve that led him to eagerly enlist in the Air Force on 3 Oct 1957.  During his exemplary 25 years of service to our Nation, he served across the globe with assignments that included tours at Royal Air Force Base Fairford (United Kingdom), Kunsan and Osan Air Base (South Korea), Barksdale Air Force Base and Ellsworth Air Force Base.  Achieving the rank of Master Sargeant, Don also earned the title of Master Instructor, was recognized by numerous awards, and was hand-selected to serve as the Tower Chief at multiple bases before his retirement in 1982. 

Following his retirement, Don and his family moved to Texas where he took his masterful skills and impressive record of performance as an Air Traffic Controller to Ellington Field where he continued to excel by yet again setting the standard for all others to follow.  He continued doing the job he was so incredibly good at and loved until his second retirement. 

While Don was passionate about his profession, and doing it well, he was well-known and loved for his other talents and passions.  Most notably, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family; the people he worked so hard for.  When he had the time, one of his favorite things to do was to strum his guitar and sing a tune in a way that made you think of Elvis himself.  In fact, he would never shy away from an opportunity to pick up a microphone at an event and serenade the crowd with his remarkably steady and smooth voice.  He also earned a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do and rivaled “MacGyver” in his ability to creatively fix anything that needed to be fixed. 

There are many more great things that defined Don that in whole paints a picture of a man who lived a long and meaningful life.  He will be missed by his family and friends who are comforted at knowing he is running among angels in the warm embrace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.          

Don was preceded in death by his father Richard Catlin and mother Ruth Whalen. 

He is survived by his wife Chae Catlin; children David Catlin (wife Virginia), Laurie Catlin, William Catlin, Patricia White (husband Garry) and Dan (wife Tiffany); grandchildren Alix Hicks (husband Nick), Macy Catlin, Sofia Catlin and Jewel Catlin; sister Linda McLay; brothers Michael Catlin, Skip Catlin, Larry Whalen, and John Whalen; along with numerous other members of his family and friends who loved him dearly.

The family will receive family and friends at Deer Park Funeral Directors located at 336 E. San Augustine St. Deer Park, TX 77536 at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 30, 2024, with funeral services starting at 11:00 AM.  Prior to the service, there will be a viewing opportunity for family and friends.   Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038 at 1:15 PM where Don will receive full military honors.  An escorted processional from Deer Park Funeral Directors to Don’s final resting place will leave at 12:10 PM

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