Thomas Sirten

Thomas Glenn "Catt" Sirten, age 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 6, 2023, in Mobile, Alabama. Born on January 18, 1955 in Flint, Michigan, he was the son of the late Thomas Garland Sirten and Reba Colvett Sirten. Catt was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who touched the lives of many. He is survived by a sister, Linda (John) Lewis; a brother, Tony (Ronnie) Rogers-Sirten; children, Uriah (Lorena) Harris, Nekoda (Jazlyn) Harris, Hannah (Toby) Harris, and Chloe McInnis; grandchildren, Violet, Arlo, Wynter, and Sage; Uncle, Bobby (Kay) Colvett; Niece, Liana (Tom) Carter; Nephews, Jeremy Lewis and Big Tom Sirten; Great-Nephews, Tom-Tom and Anthony Sirten, Gil and Boone (Brenna) Carter; Great-Niece, Adara Carter; Special friend, Mary O'Grady; numerous cousins and countless friends.

A public viewing will be on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Mobile Memorial Garden Funeral Home, 6100 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, AL 36619, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Gathering before the Celebration of Life will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. With the Celebrate of Life for Catt starting at 6:00 PM at The Saenger Theatre, 6 S Joachim St, Mobile, AL 36602.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for The Jazz Studio. Checks can be made payable to the Excelsior Band Preservation, Inc. PO Box 191673, Mobile, AL 36619 for The Jazz Studio. The Excelsior Band Preservation is a 501 (c) 3 organization. This was a cause close to Catt's heart.

Please join us in honoring the life and legacy of Thomas Glenn "Catt" Sirten. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Burial Service will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 5:00 PM, at Legg Cemetery, Elkmont, Alabama.

Catt was a man of great integrity and compassion. He dedicated his life to making a positive impact on those around him and his community. He pursued a successful career as a radio DJ & photographer. Catt's hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking made him a highly respected professional in his field. Throughout his career, Catt was known for his "magic" and his ability to inspire and motivate others.

Catt began his career in radio shortly after graduating from West Limestone High School in 1973. Although he has been in a few markets, he settled in Mobile around 1984, when he joined 92Zew as the Program Director. It has been said that Catt played the soundtrack of the South and most likely played the soundtrack of your life. He introduced many to new music and artists, and famously promoted the music of local musicians. Catt's voice has been described as mellow, calm, and smooth-as-butter. Catt recently celebrated his 2000th program Catt's Sunday Jazz Brunch, it is also the second longest running jazz radio program in America. Catt's Brown Bag Concert series started in 1985 and is one of the longest running concert series in the Gulf Coast. This is just a short list of reasons Catt was known at the "music man".

"The reward of my work is not the money, because I am certainly not getting rich. The reward is getting to do all of this. If success is waking up each morning and loving what you do, then I am the most successful person I know. If I don't screw it up, I will get to do it again tonight." ~~ Catt

Anyone who knew Catt knew that he had a camera close by. He spent 18 years as director of photography for Mobile's BayFest music festival. His photography is featured in nine books including Mobile Bay Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. Catt's Prints have hung in galleries, art museums, and most importantly - homes all over the Mobile area and even the world. Recently, he worked as an adjunct instructor, at Spring Hill College and Bayside Academy in Daphne, teaching video editing and related skills.

Furthermore, Catt supported all the local arts of Mobile, including but most definitely not limited to the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and the Mobile Ballet.

Beyond his professional achievements, Catt was defined by his unwavering love and commitment to his family. Catt was a devoted father to his children, and a doting grandfather to his grandchildren. He was a supportive and loving son, brother, and uncle. He delighted in spending time with his family, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Catt will remember his kind-hearted nature, his cool and calm demeanor, and his genuine interest in the lives of others. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel important and valued. Catt cherished his friendships dearly, always going above and beyond to support and uplift those he cared about.

Thomas Glenn "Catt" Sirten has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered as a true gentleman, an exceptional professional, and a warm and loving family man.

"Again, my sincere appreciation for being on the other side of the radio."