Catherine (Cathy) Wyatt Barnard, beloved mother, wife and grandmother passed away peacefully in her home in Tomball, Texas at 333pm on April 29th at the age of 76. She was born in Austin, Texas to Charles (Charlie) Emmitt Wyatt and Joyce Albrecht Wyatt on June 10, 1947 and was married to Jim Barnard on September 13th, 1969 in Marshall, Texas.
Cathy was raised in Houston most of her life where she attended Westbury High School and went on to attend Stephen F. Austin University. She was a full-time mother most of her life and raised two sons, Jason, and Jeffrey. She had a knack for photography, enjoyed riding horses and barrel racing, but took special pride in anything related to Texas A&M where her Father Charlie ’43 and son Jeff ’01 attended. Anybody that knew Cathy could tell you she loved The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the Corps of Cadets. She got a special kick out of blasting the Aggie War Hymn both at home and in her vehicle for everyone to hear before game time to ensure we were all prepared for step- off on the Quad with the Aggie Band and kick-off. Her favorite color was maroon and had special instructions for the family not to include the color orange (U.T. Austin) on any of the flowers at her funeral.
In life Cathy enjoyed the time she spent with family and friends. She was truly southern often using the words shug, sweetheart or honey to address those she loved. She lived with Fibromyalgia most of her life, but never let that get in the way of the things she enjoyed doing the most. While raising her children she was involved in any school activity she could be in and was always known to be the first parent to volunteer to carpool “all her special kids” around at a moment’s notice. It was always assumed Cathy would step in whenever help was needed. She was loved by many and always tried to make you feel special. As a mom she went out of her way to make Christmas a memorable time for her family and instilled that spirit of giving wherever she could never really expect anything in return… except cards, she loved cards! Christmas’s at the Ranch were always a favorite time, especially when riding around in the jeep with her dad and the family she loved.
When it was time for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each year you could always find her right next to her dad’s side, Charlie Wyatt, a lifetime Vice President. She rode in the grand entry at the show a few times with her dad. Many great memories were made during her times there and she had some great stories. She always recounted the time she rode in an elevator with Chuck Norris. She never really got starstruck, but we heard that story MANY a time. He was second only to Elvis though, who’s music she loved to listen to any time of day.
For those that truly knew her, she was gracious, giving, loving and caring and never met a stranger. She went to go be with Jesus, but she would most certainly be welcomed into heaven by her mother and daddy who she spoke about all the time and missed dearly. She is free of pain and will be waiting on the other side to welcome her own family home. Until we all meet again, you will be missed by all who knew you.
Cathy is preceded in death by Charlie Wyatt and Joyce Wyatt.
Cathy is survived by Jimmie (spouse), Jeff (son) and Seth Mazanec, Jason (son) and wife Misty along with their 3 children Hunter, Karis and Josie whom she loved very much.
Visitation will be at Grimes Funeral home on Friday, May 17th from 5-7pm Funeral services will be held at 10a on Saturday, May 18th in Bandera with Rev. Msgr. Frank Kurzaj of St. Stanislaus, officiating. Burial will follow at the family cemetery at the Wyatt Ranch. Reception/ meal will follow at the church after burial.
Pallbearers will be Jason and Jeff Barnard, Hunter Barnard, Charlie Wyatt (nephew), Shawn Perkins and Ken Wasko. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Barnard, Seth Mazanec, Mike Postel and Blake Coleman.
Memorials may be given to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the charity of your choosing. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel.
