Allen Cathey

Allen Gerald Cathey passed away on October 15th following a brief illness while residing at The Beehive Assisted Living in Belgrade.

He was born on December 3, 1932 in Belle Fourche, S. Dakota to Gerald and Ursula Cathey. His father was a respected local Deputy Sheriff and Brand Inspector. Allen and his nine siblings grew up in both Belle Fourche and the family ranch near Alzada.

Following the sudden death of their father and remarriage of their mother, the siblings completed their education in Broadus, with the assistance of their older sister, Jean Hough.

Allen learned to drive truck for both AJ Bone and Stabio Brothers during this time. During those early years, Allen and his brothers also worked at their Grandfather Joseph Beilage’s coal mine at Coalwood.

Allen met and married Velma Smith in 1953 and then joined the Army. After service, the couple returned to Montana, residing in Broadus and Miles City. To this union, five children were born.

Allen was employed as an agent for both Franklin Life and Western States Insurance, recognized as a top agent. He later drove truck for Consolidated Freightways, transferring to Portland, Oregon and worked for 30 years with Consolidated. During this career, he drove 3 million miles with no accidents and competed in national truck driving competitions from 1984 - 1997, winning Grand Champion and top level national driver positions.

Allen and Velma divorced and he was later married and divorced from both Jeanine Macfarland and Aleta Whitmore.

Following his retirement, he returned to Bozeman, Montana and drove tourists to Yellowstone Park for Karst Stage. Allen also visited his adult children in Oregon and enjoyed many family gatherings in Montana.

Allen was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Alvin and sisters Jean Hough, Tudy Christenson and Shirley Slayton, as well as his former wife, Velma.

He is survived by two sons, Greg and Todd, three daughters, Cynthia Rock, Lori Walker and Darcy Smith, numerous nieces and nephews, 12 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren, as well as brothers Kenny, Jerry and Gary and sisters Rita Wice and Bonnie Burley.

During his lifetime, he could be counted on to help anyone in need and expressed a deep sense of honor, in memory of his father. He was a colorful storyteller of family history and continued to maintain and form new friendships up to his passing. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know him.