George Edward Gatlin

George Edward Gatlin
George Edward Gatlin

George Edward Gatlin, 93, of Amarillo, TX, went to his heavenly home on May 9, 2021.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 22, 2021, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, with Dr. G. A. Roach officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.  There will be live streaming on the Boxwell Brothers website.

On April 16, 1928, George was born in Pampa, Texas, to Emmett and Mattie Gatlin.

He graduated from Pampa High School and soon after joined the US Navy.  He served many different assignments in the Navy during the last few years of WWII.  Although they were assigned to other units, George and his father, Emmett, and sister Anna Beth served in WWII.

George soon joined Panhandle Steel Erectors/Nortex as an Ironworker.  Later, he moved to Burchfield Steel Erectors, where he worked for more than 25 years.   George was a 69-year member of the Local 408 Iron Workers Union.  Although his work took him out of town many times, he always loved coming home to his family and being involved in his children’s activities.  George was a very active member of San Jacinto United Methodist Church for many years.  Later in life, he and Nikki were also active members of the River Road Square Dancers.

George was involved in many volunteer organizations throughout his life.  He enjoyed teaching Sunday School with the elementary-age children and drove the bus on Sunday mornings to pick up children that didn’t have a ride to church.  He was also active with the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed many camping adventures with his troop.  George and Nikki were involved in the Kiwanis Club in Amarillo and Martha’s Home.   In 1991, George received KVII’s 7 Who Care Award for extraordinary volunteers in the community.

In the early 1980’s George and Nikki purchased a home in Questa, New Mexico, where they loved spending time in the mountains.   George truly enjoyed watching the various wildlife that would be around their property and feeding the birds.

Many remember George with that twinkle in his blue eyes when he was telling a joke or playing a joke on someone. Indeed, a wonderful gentleman that was loved and admired by many.  George had a remarkable memory which he used to tell many stories.  He enjoyed watching sporting events on TV and playing solitaire on his computer.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Laura, a sister, Anna Beth Carlin, and his parents.

George is survived by his second wife, Nikki Gatlin, of more than 40 years.  Four children, Kathy Manley and her husband, Thomas; Mike Gatlin and his wife Sharon; Kim Thomas and her husband Jeff; and Linda Diehl and her husband Steve.  A sister, Zelma Mikolajczyk, and her husband Eugene.

He has ten wonderful grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Martha’s Home Inc. in Amarillo.

Use this link to live stream the service: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwxCSdC9KKslSEh3MxAy1pA/featured?view_as=subscriber

4 Replies to “George Edward Gatlin”

  1. I have lived next door to George and Nikki since 1985. They were such a blessing to me and I love them dearly. I miss them everyday.

  2. My Uncle George Gatlin was such a wonderful man! He was loved by many. Such a happy natured person! When my parents moved to Texas in the late 50s, George and Frances let my brother, Tom and myself live with them for a half year until our family got settled in Amarillo. I loved that time with them. They were so good to us. George was such a positive person and most enjoyable to be with! I know he is reaping his Heavenly reward!

  3. We spent many times on George’s porch at his cabin in Questa. Good times sharing navy sea stories and construction stories. We will miss him alot. He was a great Questa neighbor.

  4. Nikki, we had lots of fun square dancing in River Road. George was always ready for a good joke!! Thinking of you at this time🙏🏼

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