Dr. Philip L. Catey, 85, Gas City, passed away at his home at 3:01 am on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. He was born at home, the third of four children, of a farming family in Carlos, Indiana, on Wednesday, January 4, 1939, Phil grew up understanding that hard work, faith and family were what life was all about.
After graduating from Union High School in Randolph County, Phil attended Earlham College; graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry; married, served in the United States Air Force and started a family before choosing to settle back in Indiana. Gas City welcomed him and allowed him to serve the community in many ways. He was an active part of Jaycees, Kiwanis, and the City Zoning Board where he served in multiple leadership positions. He contributed to the Gas City Historical Museum, taught classes on Indian Artifacts at Taylor University and served on the Board of Kiddie Kampus at Taylor University.
Dr. Catey worked tirelessly for the First United Methodist Church, serving as head usher, sitting on or chairing several committees, and accompanying youth camps and missions trips. He served monthly at “Bridges to Health” Dental Clinic and participated, with his daughter and son, providing “Donated Dental Services” for the Indiana Dental Association. He provided dental care in several foreign countries as a leader and participant in dental missions trips. He served on Habitat for Humanity and Jimmy Carter International Habitat Projects using his many construction/woodworking skills.
One of his favorite things was being able to serve the people of Gas City and the State of Indiana to improve their health and wellbeing. As a result of this dedication, he was awarded the “Sagamore of the Wabash” award, the highest civilian award given by the Governor of Indiana.
Dr. Catey held or served on almost every office in the Wabash Valley Dental Association and the Grant County Dental Study Club. He served as an examiner for the “Commission on Dental Competency Assessments” (The National exam for hygienist and dental students’ board certifications). Dr Catey completed nine years serving on the Indiana State Board of Dentistry.
Dr. Catey at age 79, retired after 47 years with Catey Dentistry.
A life built on faith, family and friends, today we honor him for his many services in “The Dash”.
Survivors include his wife, Dinah Catey; daughter, Dr. Mara Catey-Williams (Stephen); son, Cameron (Tammi) Catey; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Andrea) Williams, Jacob Catey, Cavan Williams, Rylee Catey, Mia Catey; great grandchild, Finley Rose Williams.
The family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at First United Methodist Church 213 E. South “A” St., Gas City, IN.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Philip’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 16, 2024 at the church with Jon Young officiating. Burial will take place at Marion National Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Wabash Valley/Grant County Dental Society Scholarship Fund c/o Grant Co. Community Foundation 505 W. 3rd St., Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
