P. Gatton Jack

Jack P. Gatton, age 84 of Goodyear, AZ died peacefully, surrounded by his family on February 18, 2020 in Goodyear, AZ. He was born February 28, 1935, in Portland, OR to Earl and Iris Gatton. He served in the National Guard from 1950 – 1961 achieving the rank of sergeant. He worked for the U.S. Postal Data Service for 30 years. A quiet, unassuming man, Jack was completely devoted to “his bride” and family. Home was wherever his bride was. He was a strong, loving presence in the lives of all of his family members and was always present for their most important moments. His pride for his grandchildren was reflected in the brightness of his eyes. He loved the grandeur of a sunset and the intimacy of a wink.

Jack is survived by his bride of 63 years, Cathy; daughter, Sandy and her husband Tony Creach of Sutter Creek, CA; sons, Jeff and his wife Anna Gatton of Cotati, CA, and Bob Gatton and his wife Aline of Vacaville, CA; eight grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Iris Gatton; daughter, Lori Ann; and sister, Donna Shepard. Condolences for the family may be left below.

The Man Behind the Wink

Let us share with you

This man…

The man who lives

Behind the wink

You may think he is an ordinary man

But that is far from the truth

He is a man…

Who is loving

His love runs deep

Never-ending

Love…

His legacy

His love is infinite…

62 years

Gazing at his love

Calling her his bride

He is a man…

Who is witty

He may be silent

Not fast to speak

But his ears are open

And his mind is thinking

He sits at the table

All eyes on him

Watching his next move

How to beat the nasty neighbor

He is a man…

Who is merry

He gleams with a smile

Beaming endlessly

Filling hearts

Near and far

Sitting in his jolly red chair

Living out a hallmark moment

Children eagerly waiting

To whisper Christmas wishes

He is a man

Who is gentle

A gentle giant

Paving trails

Footsteps to follow

Leading us graciously

A boundless journey

Hauling hearts

Leading through life

A professional driver

As he winks playfully

At his bride.

The wink of his eye

Is the passage to his heart

His heart is strong

His strength is seen

Through his eyes

He is a legend

He is us

We are him

He is everlasting…