Jan. 20, 1930 Feb. 13, 2025
Staff Sergeant Billy Eugene Gatlin, 95 of Cordell, Oklahoma went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born January 20, 1930 in Fairfax, Oklahoma to Verley and William “Bill” Gatlin. Billy was one of three children- his oldest sister Dorothy and youngest sister Wanda.
Billy attended high school in Fairfax, Oklahoma up to the time he enlisted in the army at the age of 17 in 1947.
A proud veteran serving 20 years in the army, Billy served several tours in the Korean conflict along with serving at numerous post, including Okinawa Japan.
He married Colene December 4, 1959 in Carter, Oklahoma and they made their home in Salinas California while he was stationed at Fort Ord United States Army post by Monterey Bay, California. Billy lived in Salinas with his wife and children till 1963, when he received orders for Mannheim, Germany, where he lived with his family till 1965. He received orders for Maryland and served till his retirement in 1967.
Billy returned to California with his family and lived in the Salinas/ Hollister area till the summer of 1970.
He moved his family to Sayre, Oklahoma and he opened his business, Gatlin‘s Garage, which he operated from 19701997. He moved to Cordell after the death of his beloved wife, Coleen.
He enjoyed Cruise nights in town with his son, Billy, and grandson Kyle Gatlin. Most of all he loved working on older trucks and restoring them with his son Billy. They spent many hours every day working in his shop. He also loved hanging out at his grandson‘s business, Gatlin’s Garage.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Coleen and his parents, Bill and Verley Gatlin & sisters, Dorothy and Wanda.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Billy Gatlin, and spouse Cindy of Cordell, his daughter, Brenda Roberts, and spouse Randy of Piedmont, Oklahoma, grandson, Kyle Gatlin, and spouse Brooke of Cordell, granddaughter, Cody Heinley, and spouse Brad of Hawaii, granddaughter Sarah Horning of Edmond, granddaughter Halee Gatlin of Cordell, grandson, Dan Collins of Cordell, grandson, Ricky Steele of Elk City and 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson along with many other family members and friends.
He will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service will be held at the first Baptist Church in Cordell on February 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Terrell Romberg officiating. Graveside will be at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma, at 1:00pm. Visitation: 1:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home, Cordell, Oklahoma.