Elton Edwin "Bud" Cather

Elton "Bud" Cather was born on February 25, 1937, in Pawnee County, Oklahoma, to Lonnie and Oliva (Pierce) Cather. He grew up on the family farm east of Pawnee and attended Maramec School. Fortunately, in 1950, E.T. Bailey moved his family from the Moscow Flats community in Woodward County to the Maramec community, where Bud met the love of his life, Marietta "Tootsie" Bailey.
Bud and Tootsie were married on October 4, 1958, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. They began their life together in Ponca City before moving to Woodward shortly afterward. Bud worked at Butcher's Metal Shop and joined his father-in-law in custom harvesting, traveling north into Kansas and South Dakota with A-Model Gleaners.
Trucking became Bud's lifelong passion and career. He began hauling cattle for Joe Cook, making trips to Omaha, Nebraska, and Colorado-often sharing stories from Wolf Creek Pass. From 1969 to 1976, Bud worked for JD Hodges before starting his own trucking company. He continued driving trucks for more than four decades, finally retiring in 2020 at the age of 83.
Bud is survived by his two daughters, Tamra Nakabayashi and husband Ray of Enid, and Tanya Joe Cather of The Village; his son, Donnie Cather and wife Robyn of Woodward; and two sisters, Marilyn Robinson of Cushing and Loreta Watkins and husband Rick of Kellyville. He also leaves behind four grandchildren-Ashley Brown and husband Skyler, Lauren Asher and husband Timothy, Garrett Cather and wife Kylee, and Hailey Gartrell and husband Jody-as well as six great-grandchildren: Ethan Brown, Jase Brown, Lainey Asher, Harper Cather, Stratton Cather, and Harlee Cather. He will be remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Special gratitude is extended to Clyde Smith for his cherished friendship with Bud.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Tootsie Cather; his parents, Lonnie and Oliva Cather; two brothers, Bill Murrell and Ralph Murrell; one sister, Vineta Weathers; and his dear friend, R.E. Shepherd.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1000 Hills Ranch Church in Woodward, Oklahoma, on May 3, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be served.