Mr. Clark Ashton Cato, 32, of Pageland, SC passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2020 with his mother, Melinda, the greatest love of his life and his furbaby "son" Eli, by his side. Clark was born on September 22, 1987 in Charlotte, NC; the son of Melinda Caldwell Cato and the late William "Billy" Robert Cato, II. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Norman Patrick and Caronell Caldwell and his paternal grandparents, William Robert and Mary Cato. Clark was a graduate of Coastal Carolina University where he was the president of his fraternity, Delta Chi. He was an avid Charlotte Bobcats and Charlotte Hornets fan. He acquired his mother's love for animals and wanted to save them all. Ever the charmer, he always sought to make others feel loved and appreciated. He will be remembered as quite the character, always looking to get a good laugh out of people. He was a friend to everyone. His father's suicide so traumatized him, he turned to substances to numb the pain. He had hoped to overcome the battles he faced and had completed two programs in recent months; but the grip was just too strong. His long-term goal was to help others find victory over addiction through his testimony. He had hoped to one day start a church program where addicts could come and not feel judged. While his battle on earth may be over, he would love nothing more than his life and struggle to lead others to break the chains of addiction. If you are facing this battle, he would encourage you to seek professional help, staying as long as necessary to regain your life & making all the necessary changes to be successful. He would tell you to never open the door because it's nearly impossible to close, could cost your life as well as enduring heartache for your loved ones. More than anything, he would implore you to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Clark is survived by his beloved mother, Melinda Caldwell Cato of Pageland, SC; big sister and "second mom", Beth (Daniel) Plyler Halasz; big brother and protector, Robert (Barbara) Cato of Pageland, SC; nieces, McKayla Carroll, Aliza Cato, Merin Halasz and Phoenix Cato; nephews, Xander Cato and Silas Halasz; many other "second moms" and best friends he has had throughout his life. If you would like to pay your last respects to Clark and sign the register book, you are welcome to stop by Baumgartner Funeral Home Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 26, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Pageland Cemetery with Pastor Eddie Smith and Dr. Joel Dale officiating. Due to the government-mandated, COVID-19 restrictions, we ask that you practice social distancing at all times. The family would like for all attending the service to please wear a face covering. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Waypoint Recovery Center, 499 Wild Hearts Road, Cameron, South Carolina 29030. Baumgartner Funeral Home of Pageland, South Carolina (www.baumgartnerfh.com) is assisting the Cato family. Previous Events Visitation SEP 24. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (ET) Baumgartner Funeral Home 708 West McGregor Street Pageland, SC 29728 suttonfh@shtc.net https://www.baumgartnerfh.com Loading map Graveside Service SEP 26. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (ET) First Baptist Church of Pageland Cemetery 203 West Pigg Streat Pageland, SC 29728 Loading map