Tom Catlett

Judge Tom Catlett, (88), died Wednesday. A son of Henry and Flossie Catlett, he was born December 10, 1925 in Holly Grove. He was a 1947 graduate of Clarendon High School and served in the Army during WW II. From his humble beginnings in the rural community of Ragtown to the longest serving county judge in Arkansas, he served the citizens of Monroe County for 38 years. Beginning with his first oath of office on January 1, 1967, he was instrumental in developing facilities in Monroe County including; The Department of Humans Services, Mid Delta Rural Clinics, County Jail and two rural fire stations. He served as chairman of the Solid Waste Management Board, Central Arkansas Area on Aging and Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Throughout his life and career Judge Catlett was esteemed and encouraged by his beloved wife of 62 years, Estelle. He was a 60 year member of the Clarendon Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the V.F.W., American Legion and Brinkley Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife, Estelle Catlett, sister and brother-in-law, Leota and Norman Self, extended family members, Virginia Simpson, Charles and Gay McCoy, Jeff, Christin, Riley and Parker Singleton, many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Visitation 2 p.m.-Services 3 p.m. both Sunday November 23rd at the Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home-Clarendon with burial in Shady Grove Cemetery. Memorials: Clarendon Missionary Baptist Church, 201 N 6th St Clarendon, Ark. 72029 or Legacy Hospice, 116 So Main St, Brinkley, Ark. 72021. Obit/guestbook/www.bobnealandsons.com.