Ardell Street

Mr. Ardell Street

Ardell Street had many experiences and blessings throughout his life. The first of many came when he was born to the late Catherine Street and Lee Saw Barnes on August 4, 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee. He received his final blessing when the Master of the sea called this avid fisherman home on October 5, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Ardell, accepted Jesus Christ at an early age.  He was baptized at Jamison Chapel C M E Church in Holly Springs, Mississippi where he attended with his family.

Ardell attended East Tate County Schools in Mississippi for elementary and high school. There was a special classmate that he had known throughout the years and after completion of school, he was determined to make Freddie Cathey his wife. So, he gathered enough courage to ask her father for her hand in marriage and they were married in 1971. They have been married for forty-seven years. 

Desiring more out of life, Freddie and Ardell relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where they believed better opportunities awaited them. However, his loving heart and bond towards his mom and family led them to relocate to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Ardell adored his children and wanted them to have everything that he could not obtain for himself. He encouraged them to chase hard after their dreams and to be the best person that they could be. He was proud of his children entering and serving in the United States Military, Army and Marine Corps branches, with 43 years of combined service. His children loved him and saw Ardell as their “Superman,” always demonstrating strength, courage and passion for others. He showed them that there was no obstacle too great that they could not overcome. His children loved being in his presence and enjoyed his cooking. They believed that he was the best  homemade cornbread maker in the world!

Ardell, was employed at National Magnesium & Aluminum Foundry in Fort Wayne Indiana, he was a hard and faithful worker until his health began to fail him, and he retired after twenty years of dedicated service. Because of his work ethic and he loved working with his brother, Ardell worked an additional job for seven years with his brother at Lyles Builders.

Ardell was a man who greeted everyone with a big smile and knew no strangers.  A patient man, who avoided any confrontation, he endeavored to keep the peace with everyone. He was a truthful, nonjudgmental person and wanted to find the best out of all people.  He loved people and did whatever he could to help others, including sharing his talent to work with his hands and repair cars. Sometimes he was paid, but most times he enjoyed fixing cars for free. 

 His legacy lives on as a Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Encourager. Ardell leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Freddie Street; children: Kancey Street of Denver Colorado, Krestice (Ken) Stewart of Columbus Georgia and Twalla Anderson of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Grandchildren: Keyshawn, Keymara and Keira  Stewart all of Columbus Georgia; and Cheannie“Shay-Shay”   Anderson of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Siblings: Danel Street, Cardell (Brenda) Street, and Beatrice Owens of Chicago, Illinois; Bertha (David) Newsome, Elton (Vernice) Street, Conway Lyles, Donell (Clara) Martin, Lula Lyles, Oscar Lyles, Cottrell (SueAnn) Lyles, Isabella Kelley, Tommy Lyles, and Edward Street  all of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Mary Williams of Holly Springs Mississippi; Robert (Marcella) Echols of Memphis, Tennessee and Morris Bowen of Southern California.

His In-laws who loved Ardell as a brother: Troy, Charles and Gurnett Cathey, Eddie Eldridge, Arma Mosley, Audrey Montgomery and Tammy Botten of  Holly Springs, Mississippi and A very special aunt Martha of Chicago, Illinois that he cherished.

Ardell was preceded in death by his parents Catherine Street and Lee Saw Barnes; grandson Scoarats Anderson and brother Ray Cox. Freddie’s Parents: Willie and Erie Cathey; brother in laws, Willie  Richard and  Orion Cathey.

Ardell will always be remembered as a compassionate and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother. Ardell is also remembered and loved by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who loved him affectionately.

He loved fishing with his brothers and his heart was with his family, that’s why he rarely missed a family gathering or cookout. His many pastimes included a love for playing chess and checkers; but his greatest passion was fishing. Oftentimes,  people would ask Freddie as to Ardell’s whereabouts and on any given day her reply would be, “He’s gone fishing.”

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

May you rest in sweet peace.

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