In Remembrance
Alwyn “A.J.” Cato, MAI
Alwyn Jerrold “A.J.” Cato passed away on June 28, 2017. Prior to being an appraiser, A.J. graduated from the Institute of Mortuary Science and served in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific Theater. Upon his return to Kansas City, A.J. worked in real estate sales and appraisals for Cato & Associates (later known as A.J. Cato Company). He was a member of the Appraisal Institute and attained the MAI designation. He served on numerous regional professional boards. He enjoyed genealogy and traveling in his fifth wheel during retirement. In addition to appraising he was a pastor for nine years. A.J. is survived by many loved ones, including his son Jerry Cato, MAI who is also an appraiser and currently works at UMB. Donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice (https://crhcf.org).
Curtis Bliss, SREA, ASA
Curtis Bliss passed away on March 8, 2017. Prior to being an appraiser, Curt was a pilot in the Navy during World War II and for PanAm following the war. Upon his return to Kansas City, he joined his father in the appraisal business. Following in his father’s footsteps, one of the first in the Kansas City Chapter to obtain the MAI designation, Curt obtained the SREA and ASA designations. He was also a past president of the Kansas City Real Estate Board. In addition to appraising he was active in real estate development. He also volunteered with Bloch Cancer Hotline and Pets for Life. Donations may be made to Resources for Human Development (rhd.org, please designate the RHD Kansas City office) and Pets for Life (kcpetsforlife.com).
Steven Wise, MAI
Steven Wise, MAI passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2017. Steve owned and operated the real estate appraisal firm of Cannon, Blaylock & Wise in Columbia. In addition to being an appraiser, he wrote/published several books and enjoyed baseball, shooting, golf and his six grandkids. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and the appraisal profession. Memorial donations may be made to Coyote Hills Children's Home or Rainbow House Children's Home c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West; Columbia, MO 65202.
Fletcher Simmons, MAI
Fletcher Simmons, MAI passed away on Friday, November 4, 2016. He was the founder and President/Owner of the Simmons Company in Manhattan, Kansas. He was an active member of the Appraisal Institute who attended Kansas City Chapter meetings and classes. In 1991, he was the President of the Greater Kansas Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Memorial donations may be made to the University of Kansas Medical Center c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory; Ottawa, Kansas 66067.
