Don Gatlin

 

December 17, 2020

Donald Harland Gatlin was born in Hulett, Wyoming on November 17, 1925 to John and Priscilla Gatlin. He shared an amazing childhood with his siblings William (Dubbie), Grant, Wesley, and Louise. The Gatlin family has been blessed with many timeless stories about their upbringing and love for one another.

Don married Nellie Bea Blaylock, and they had three children, Rick, Rhonda, and Randy. Don and Nellie later divorced. Subsequently, he shared periods of his life with Julia Hilliard and Bonnie Graham. Don loved his children deeply and had a very special relationship with each one of them.

Don spent his industrious life mining coal, shearing sheep, and working for the Powder River County Highway Department until he eagerly retired in 1989. Upon retirement, he maintained the family homestead, where he continued sheep ranching, volunteered his time in the community helping the highway department, and performed ground keeping duties at the Rolling Hills Golf Course. Don was also an active member of the Masons.

Don shared an immeasurable part of his life with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Brandon (Tahnee), their children Macy (Gus), and Landry; Mohria, and daughter, Iyana; Chad (Cynde Jo) their children Hayle (David), Dalton, Karli, Aria, and Myla; Courtney, and daughter, Avriana.

Don was an incredible competitor and his steel-eyed focus could be observed at the pool table, bowling alley, golf course, shooting range, or card table. Win or lose, he was always gracious and humble. Don always had a special place in his heart for music, singing, and dancing. He always had an aptitude to better himself and found exercise, reading, and studying all forms of history fulfilling.

The Broadus community, friends, and family were Don’s legacy. He leaves behind generations of people that were able to experience his love, kindness, gentleness, and encouragement. He could give you a history lesson on the many generations of countless families from the Broadus area and spoke highly of them all. Don was the measuring stick for many on how to treat others and what it truly means to be an exceptionally good person. He never judged, gossiped, or said an unkind word about another. He would greet you with a smile and naturally showed empathy, love, and kindness to everyone. His character never ever wavered. He was genuinely humble, optimistic, and a gentleman, every day, until he took his last breath. He gave everyone the time of day and made you feel important. He didn’t care about titles or stature; rather, he cared about you. He leaves behind a tremendously large family spanning all of Powder River County. The Broadus community was the true love of his life. The Rolling Hills Golf Course will never be the same without him, but his memory will always live on there, in the fairways and on the greens. We can look forward to the day we’re reunited with him and carry the many fond memories we have until then.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: http://www.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Rolling Hills Golf Course.

 

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