E. D. "Dee" Gattenby

Elmer David “Dee” Gattenby May 11, 1922-May 11, 2015 Dee Gattenby, long time Muskogee resident, passed away Monday, May 11, 2015. He was born on Buffalo Mountain near Ash Creek to James Gilbert and Lucy (Riley) Gattenby on May 11, 1922. Dee married Lurlene Rachel Stockton on January 8, 1943. They had celebrated 71 years of marriage before she passed away in April 2014. Dee was proud to have served in the United States Navy as a Gunner’s Mate on the USS New Jersey in the major battles of the Pacific, 1942-1945. After the war, Dee became a master carpenter and home builder. He and Lurlene built several beautiful homes during his career. His commitment was, “Homes of Distinction, Built With Care.” Dee apprenticed many young men to follow in his footsteps of doing your best and being proud of your work! He loved fishing and passed this love on to his son, Kelly, an award winning sportsman in this area. He was also an avid hunter and loved training bird dogs through the years. Dee loved his little rescued dog, “Baby Doll” who became his side kick in his later years. Dee was a self-taught musician and grew up playing the guitar and “fiddle” with his family. He passed on that love to his children and grandchildren, some of whom have made it their career. He loved to sing, and he and Lurlene entertained at many birthday and anniversary events for friends. Dee was an ordained Deacon, serving at Eastern Heights in previous years and had attended Southeast Baptist as well, leaving a host of friends in both, as well as the community. Dee was preceded in death by his wife, Lurlene in April 2014 and his son, Kelly in 2009; along with his parents, JG and Lucy Gattenby; his brothers, Cleo, Odes, Ralph, Earl, and Ray; his sisters, Alva Miller, Mary Haden, and baby sister, Edith. He is survived by his brother, Olen of Terrell, TX; his daughter, Susan Hill and husband Lynn of Broken Arrow, OK; his daughter-in-law, Pon Gattenby of Muskogee, OK; grandchildren, Shaun and Hannah Hill of Bentonville, AR, Eric and Kristin Hill, Christy and Nathan Nockels, all of Atlanta, GA; Enoch Gattenby, James and Krisinda Gattenby, Toon Thongrarai, all of Muskogee, Aoy and Thai Lee of Chicago, IL; great grandchildren, Coleman, Grayson, and Miles Hill, Adeline, Julia and Lily Claire Hill, Noah, Elliana and Annie Rose Nockols, Michael Rodriguez, Keith Shields and Christopher Shields, Amy Thongrarai-Marble, Sonny Thongrarai, Jack and Vanessa Thongrarai, Keli Sadler, Kimberly Sadler, two great great grandchildren, Mikel Kelly Marble and August Nicole Dickerson; nieces, nephews, other family members and friends who will miss him dearly. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services honoring Dee’s life will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2015 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lynn Hill officiating. Interment will be at Ash Creek Cemetery, 314 S Buffalo Mountain, McAlester, OK. Pallbearers will be Shaun Hill, Eric Hill, Enoch Gattenby, James Gattenby, Toon Thongrarai, and Sonny Thongrarai. Honorary pallbearers will be Coleman Hill, Grayson Hill, and Jack Thongrarai. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home, 3800 North May Ave, OKC, OK 73112-6506 or online at www.obhc.org

E. D. "Dee" Gattenby

June 11, 1922 - May 11, 2015