Edward Jimmy Cathcart

Edward (Eddie) passed away in the early afternoon of April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday, in his home with his daughter Laraine and Son in Law Jeff by his side.

Eddie was born on July 20, 1944, to Franklyn Porter Cathcart and Eula Odelia Cathcart in Hawthorne, California. He was their fifth and youngest child born at the end of WWII. Eddie grew up on Purche Avenue in Gardena at his parents’ home until 1965 when he purchased a home three doors down. He lived on Purche Ave for his entire 81 years.

Eddie was the youngest of five siblings to include Mary Claudine Candlish (passed July 2nd 2025), Billy Gene Cathcart (Older brother in Gardena, CA) Franky Lee Cathcart (Second oldest brother in Fort Wayne, Indiana) and sister Barabara Darlene Patrick (Newark, Ohio).

Eddie met Diane his sweetheart singing in the Sky Pilot Gospel Choir and they were married on December 11, 1964. They lived their 58 years together in Gardena California and also frequently lived on property in the Kern River Valley. In 1965 their son Jimmy was born and four years later in 1969 their daughter Laraine was born. Eddie and Diane raised their children in the Christian Faith attending Lawndale Four Square Church, and Bethany Chapel / City at The Cross Church in Long Beach. Diane passed away on November 18, 2022. Eddie, loving, cared for her during a severe illness and is now reunited with her in heaven.

Over the years they enjoyed sharing their faith, singing in church choir, ministering at local convalescent homes, Eddie led a monthly service at the Long Beach Rescue Mission during the 1970s. They also enjoyed cross country motorcycle trips with their Christian Motorcycle Riders Group. In 2015 Eddie and Diane purchased their current beautiful Squirrel Valley Home at Lake Isabella where they continued to spend time with family (Diane’s sister Cheri is a Squirrel Valley Resident).

Eddie was a beloved son, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, and most importantly he was a defender of the Faith and an encourager to all.

Eddie Cathcart is survived by his Son and Daughter In Law Jim and Karin Cathcart of Orange, California, Daughter and Son In Law Laraine and Jeff Willingham of Garden Grove, California, as well as Grandsons Chad and Jeremy Cathcart and Austin Willingham, and Granddaughters Lauren Cathcart, Natalie Willingham, and Rachael Nikolic, and Great Grandchildren Sophia, Oliver and Josiah Cathcart, Westley and Lily Jane Nikolic, and Sister-in-law Cheri French.

Graveside Services will be held at the Kern Valley Cemetery on April 18th at 1:00PM with his immediate family. Don Cleveland of the Canyon Hills Kern River Valley Church where Eddie and Diane were members will perform the service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for family and friends.