Donald Lee Catlett

May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Donald Lee Catlett, 69, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Don is survived by his daughters, Brenna (Peter) Catlettstout and Delaney (Michael) Timpe; his granddaughter, Eloise; his brother Tom Catlett; his nephews, Peter Catlett and Andrew Catlett; his cousin Dennis Catlett and many beloved friends, colleagues, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Stout; his parents, Rex and Delores Catlett; and his brother James "Jimmy" Catlett.
Grief is the mirror of love – Don's love for his family and friends was infinite. The grief that his family feels is insurmountable. Please join them in grieving the loss and celebrating the life of this amazing man on October 18th, 2025, at 11:00am at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Rollins St, Columbia Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to True North of Columbia at https://truenorthofcolumbia.org/donate/ and to Boone County Family Resources by mail 2700 W. Ash, Columbia Missouri 65203.
Known to many as Don, to family as Donny, to clients and judges as Mr. Catlett, but his most cherished name and title was Papa Cat. He was the best dad to Brenna and Delaney and an even better grandpa to his perfect Eloise.
Donny was born on November 22, 1955, in Winfield, Kansas, to Rex and Delores Catlett. He grew up in Caney, Kansas, alongside his older brothers, Jimmy and Tommy, along with his close-knit group of cousins. Donny spent time in high school working at the Woodhaven Learning Center in central Missouri. With the guidance of the late Reverend Williams he earned both academic and football scholarships to Central Methodist University, where he graduated with a B.S.E. in Elementary Education and certification in Special Education.
While attending CMU, he joined a fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, and formed lifelong friendships.
After graduating from CMU, Don worked as a juvenile officer at the Monroe Home in Columbia and subsequently completed law school at the University of Missouri. Mr. Catlett dedicated his career to the Missouri Public Defender system, representing clients across more than 75 counties, all three Courts of Appeal, and the Missouri Supreme Court. He was deeply committed to advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health issues. Over 29 years, his work as a capital defense attorney saved lives and shaped the law. He was present for the signing of Missouri's exemption from the death penalty for the developmentally disabled and was active in lobbying and testifying for reforms. He also served on the Boone County Family Resource Board from 2014 until his passing.
It was at the Monroe Home where he met his late wife, Karen Stout, who was working toward completing her social work practicum. Together they were well known on the Shero's recreational softball team as "the best of the best." United by their passion for helping others, they married on March 17, 1990 in Houston, TX. Don and Karen spent their marriage back and forth between Houston and Columbia but ultimately moving back to Columbia in 1998 to be closer to family after Karen received a grim diagnosis. Karen passed away on March 22, 2002, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. The heartbroken Papa Cat then devoted himself to raising his daughters with love, support, and unwavering presence with a great amount of support from the wonderful village Karen and Don had made for themselves.
Don had many passions-he was an avid poker player who taught his daughters the importance of a good bluff and a steady poker face. He loved fishing, playing softball with his friends and his girls, cooking his famous spaghetti, baking the best chocolate chip cookies, and listening to Elvis, Johnny Cash, John Prine, Dropkick Murphys, and a wide array of Irish and Celtic music.
After retiring from the Missouri Public Defender System, Papa Cat proudly supported his daughters as they began their careers and families. Due to several pre-existing conditions, Papa Cat and his family were very worried about the COVID-19 pandemic and adopted strict self-quarantine measures during 2020. With the protection of the vaccine, Papa Cat came into 2021 ready to be the most present father and soon to be the best grandfather there had ever been. Papa Cat made sure to pack Delaney her lunch every day to help her get through her first year of law school and provided endless advice on how to best advocate for her clients. Papa Cat was always available to provide continuous support for Brenna and Peter and even attended the birth of his granddaughter, Eloise. Papa Cat made sure he was given dedicated time to spend with Eloise multiple days a week and would never hesitate to accept a chance to provide childcare. He was endlessly proud of his girls.
Don/Donny/Papa Cat spent his last days celebrating the Mizzou tigers win against the Kansas Jayhawks with Delaney and Michael, having fun conversations with his friends and family, picking up Eloise from school and walking around Shelter Gardens, talking with Delaney about her first capital murder trial, and sharing good times with his cousin Denny. He will be infinitely missed.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory, 12 E. Ash St.; Columbia, Missouri 65203. (573) 449-4153. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.milardfamilychapels.com