Howard J. Catt

Howard J. Catt, of Indianapolis, lived 35,992 days to be devoted to God, dedicated to duty, love his family, and be loyal to his friends. Howard passed away peacefully on June 29, 2023 at age 98. He was born December 13, 1924 in Spiceland, IN to the late Howard V. and Lucille Elizabeth (Stickler) Catt. Howard was a 1942 graduate of Spiceland High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Butler University in 1950 and his master’s degree from Indiana University in 1960. Howard proudly served his country for three years during WWII in the U.S. Navy and Marine corps. He married Beverly Jean Mercer on July 6, 1947, and she preceded him in death on February 15, 1993. Howard later married Janet Dragoo Maas on June 15, 1994, and she preceded him in death on December 4, 2020. He was also preceded in death by grandson, Waylon Wright on July 25, 1978. Howard was a former member of University Heights United Methodist Church and a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Howard began his teaching career in 1950 in Perry Township at Edgewood Elementary as a junior high teacher and the boys’ basketball coach. His teams won the Marion County Championship in 1951-52 and 1952-53. In 1953, Howard’s teaching career took him to the IPS school system. He was on staff for 36 years at Arsenal Technical High School as a teacher, athletic trainer, health & physical education department head, and 17 years as athletic director. As a state licensed physical therapist and an athletic trainer, Howard set up the first high school athletic training room in Indiana. As athletic director, he became one of the most respected high school athletic administrators in the state. Howard was the city and IHSAA basketball tournament director for the Hinkle sectional, regional, and semi-state and served as the director of the boy’s state basketball tournament for 17 years, and the girl’s state basketball tournament from its inception in 1976. During his lifetime, Howard was recognized with awards for his dedication and service and belonged to many organizations. • Member of the National Athletic Trainers Association since 1953 • Inducted to the Indiana Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame 1995 • President of the Marion County Athletic Directors Association 1976-1978 • Indiana High School Coaches Association State Director of the Year 1982 • Elected to the Board of Directors of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame 1985 • Recipient of the First Annual Charles Maas Memorial Award 1985 • Past-President Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame • Named Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Evan Bayh 1989 • Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Silver Medal winner 1990 • Karl Stipher Award in 1994 • Presidents Distinguished Award from the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 Howard retired from Tech High School in 1989. He stayed active with his family, church, gardening, Panama City Beach trips, the Downtown Optimist Club, the Retired Athletic Director’s Association, and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Howard continued his involvement with IHSAA tournaments and was the tournament director for the 1990 boy’s state basketball tournament at the Hoosier Dome with a crowd of 41,046 fans in attendance. A legacy of Howard’s leadership and friendship has impacted people over many generations. He will be remembered most for always praising, encouraging, and being a ‘straight shooter’. He could be counted on to send a written note including a stick of Juicy Fruit gum with an embellishment stamp to ‘Live It Up’. Visitation will be Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Thompson Road Chapel, 3333 E. Thompson Road and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Gale officiating. Burial with Military Rites will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Circle Grove Cemetery, Spiceland, IN. Howard is survived by his children, Nancy (Rick) Wright, Debbie (Jay) Danner, Brenda (Ralph) Reiff, Brian (Donna) Catt, Barbara Maas Smith, Robert (Barbie) Maas; sister, Mary Jane (Larry) Estelle; Grandchildren: Brenton Wright, Alison Wright, Benjamin (Michelle) Danner, Angela (Clint) Woods, Jefferson Danner, Alex (Ashley) Reiff, Betsy Reiff, Elliott Reiff, Nathan (Chelsea) Catt, Jacob (Emma) Catt, Jenny Hohnbaum, Mark (Jamie) Smith, Brandon (Megan) Mitchell, Adam (Heshani) Wijemanne, Alison (Matthew) Hardt; 19 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Rosegate Assisted Living and Anew Home Care Hospice Services for providing loving care and support for Howard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. www.hoopshall.com

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Howard J. Catt

December 13, 1924 - June 29, 2023