Johnny Eugene Gatlin, 62, son of Milburn “John” Lee Gatlin and Neva Loretta Sparkman Gatlin, was born June 17, 1944, at Poplar Bluff. He died April 2, 2007, at Texas County Memorial Hospital following a long battle with cancer.
As a young boy, he accepted Jesus as savior.
He grew up in the Neeleyville area, playing basketball through high school and graduating in 1962.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army May 1965, serving as finance officer until 1967, when he was honorably discharged. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter Rifle Medal.
After his discharge, he continued his career in finance at Superior Loan in Poplar Bluff. He was transferred to Houston in 1968, where he met and married Sherry Erwin June 5, 1972, at Ozark Baptist Church.
He also met Paul Hammack, and they began to promote gospel music in the area.
In January 1974, Mr. Gatlin began working for The Bank of Houston as loan officer. Due to health problems, in 1981 the Gatlins moved to Cedaredge, Colo., where he was senior vice president of First National Bank.
After five years, the Gatlins moved back to Houston, where he became loan officer at The Bank of Houston and was promoted to senior vice president of loans.
Mr. Gatlin was president of the Cedaredge and Houston chambers of commerce and worked with the park board in youth programs.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Surviving are his wife of 34 years; and two children, Christopher and Megan Gatlin.
Services are 2 o’clock today (Thursday) at the Ozark Baptist Church with the Rev. Ed Hamilton and the Rev. Bill Jetton officiating. Burial will be in the Ozark Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
