DEXTER, Mo. -- On Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, Sanford Phillip Cato of Dexter departed this life at the age of 87. He had been a resident of Cotton Point Living Center in Matthews, Missouri, for several months prior.

Born on Oct. 18, 1930, near Sturdivant, Missouri, he was the son of the late Dolph Franklin Cato and Gladys Mae Deckard.

He was married to Alta Faye Ford on July 19, 1952, in Piggott, Arkansas, and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and Stephen Sutterer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Pamela and Dwaine Lape of Dexter; six grandchildren and their spouses; and 12 great-grandchildren. He also is survived by two sisters, Wanda and Shirley; and a brother, Earl.

He always considered his family to be his greatest achievement in life and enjoyed spending time with his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. He impacted the lives of his family more than he could ever imagine, and his wise counsel and helpful hand will be missed.

Memorial services will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance, Missouri.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Morgan Memorial Park in Advance.