Donald Alan Cata Sr.

Donald Allen Cata Sr.

September 12, 1941- July 6, 2023

Donald Cata Sr., 81, of Ohkay Owingeh was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 6, 2023. He was a testimony of grace, love, and kindness to his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, and friends. He worked for thirty-seven years at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Donald was an athlete who excelled and thoroughly enjoyed participating in various sports throughout his life. In Donald's later years, he enjoyed attending the Senior Olympics for many years. In 2018, Donald won numerous gold medals in various fields for the New Mexico State Summer Games, and many other medals in previous years.

Mr. Cata was the governor of Ohkay Owingeh for two terms. Following his last term of office, Donald was appointed a honorary Council Member for life, a role exclusive to former governors. Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Isidro Cata and Mary R. Cata, Father-and-Mother-In-Law: Johnny Aguino and Petrolina Aguino, Brothers: Cecilio Cata, Gregorio Tapia, Donald James Gonzalez, Herman Cata; Sisters Carol Ann Cata and Stella L. Clay, Son Joseph Lloyd Cata, Grandsons: James Cata Jr. and Joshua Cata.

Donald Cata Sr., is survived by his wife, Mabel Cata of sixty-two years, Sons: James Allen Cata Sr., Martin Cata, Donald Cata Jr., Daughter: Donna Maestas (Gary Maestas), Angela Cata-Baca, Christine Chavarillo, Sister: Margaret Taylor (Jerry Taylor),  Grandchildren: Thea Cata, Sonny Cata, Albert Cata, Madeline Cata, Dominic Ortiz, Gavin Cata, Isaac Cata, Isaiah Cata, Junae Ortiz, Shaundeen Cata, Jasmine Cata, Hope Cata, Danielle Cata, Cameron Cata, Thomas Cata, Donald Cata III, and Joseph Cata, and many great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

The Cata family would like to express their gratitude to Governor Larry Phillips Jr., First Lieutenant Howie Aguino, Ohkay Owingeh fiscals, Dr. Douglas Zhang, Nurse Tammy Matheny, all staff from Espanola Dialysis Center, Pastor McMath and Valley Baptist Church, Espanola Seventh Day Adventist Church, and DeVargas Funeral Home.

Services will be held at Valley Bible Baptist Church on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:00 am, burial will follow at Ohkay Owingeh Cementary.

Honorary pallbearers are Phillip Blea and Howie Aguino.  Pallbearers are Rich Taylor, Rainbird Taylor, Joe Paul Clay, Adrian Montoya Jr., Delton Martinez,  Joe Martinez,  and Barnabas Bird Jr.

The family of Donald Cata has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfuneal.com  505-747-7477