Allen Gerald Cathey

Allen Gerald Cathey, 90,  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, South Dakota to Gerald and Ursula (Beilage) 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 United States Army. After his 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. 

A Graveside Service will be 1:00 pm Tuesday October 24 at Valley View Cemetery in Broadus with a gathering following at the VFW

Hall for refreshment. All are welcome to attend.