Richland, WA - Joseph Edward Cato, Jr., 59, of Richland, WA, formerly of Aiken & Ridge Spring, passed away on June 9, 2014. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Joseph E. Cato, Sr., and Eleanor Lybrand Cato. Survivors include his loving wife, Diane; daughter, Jennifer Binder (Chris) of Greenville, SC; son, Jonathan Cato of Richland, WA; and three grandchildren, Ellis, Kathryn, and Caroline Binder of Greenville, SC. Joseph had more than 30 years of experience working for contractors at various Department of Energy sites prior to his retirement in December, 2013. He was a proud father who saw his son graduated from Richland High last Friday and enjoyed spending time with his daughter and grandchildren. Both he and his son were working on obtaining their pilots' licenses. He enjoyed the outdoors - camping, fishing and hunting. He was an avid cook who delighted in grilling and making and smoking sausage in the smoker that he built. The family will receive friends at George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave. SW Aiken on Friday, July 25th from 6-8pm. Interment will be private at Ridge Spring Cemetery 3068 Hwy 23 Ridge Spring SC.