Kenneth Eugene Gatlin, 68, the best big brother ever, walked right into
heaven on April 12, 2021. We are sorry not to have more days with
Kenneth, but he is not sorry to now live in the presence of his Lord.
Kenneth was born June 23, 1952, to Calvin and Joyce (Lauritsen) Gatlin
and would be the oldest of eight children. His parents brought him home
to the Lauritsen Homestead north of Gem, Kansas. Before he turned four,
Kenneth, moved to Colby, Kansas, where he resided until this January
when he moved to Pratt, Kansas to be close to family.
Kenneth graduated from Colby High School in 1970 and Colby Community
College in 1972 with an Associate of Arts degree in pre-engineering. But
this was not the end of school for him! During the next 30+ years, he
tutored his siblings and many nieces and nephews at one time or another.
He patiently helped at any hour of the day or night, even with college
math classes he had never taken. A math whiz, Kenneth challenged his
nieces and nephews with complicated word problems at family gatherings
and was thrilled when they eventually could solve these problems.
Kenneth was known to his siblings as the "Loan Shark.” He was generous
with his time and treasure, never denying a sibling’s request. Among
other things, he made car loans, ensured a sister made it to her job
interview by buying new tires after she had two blowouts, wired money to
a brother whose car broke down in Nevada on his way to school in
California, and co-signed on a credit card so that brother would not be
stranded again. He loaned his car to siblings for months at a time while
continuing to pay the car insurance. A phone call to Kenneth made
everything right. What would we have done without Kenneth looking out
for the rest of us?
Throughout his life, Kenneth was on the move in all kinds of vehicles.
He started riding a tricycle and soon graduated to riding a bike
downtown to get the mail. The summer following 6th grade, Grandpa and
Grandma Lauritsen requested Kenneth’s help with harvest, driving trucks
and combines. Later he taught all his siblings to drive a stick shift.
He just loved being at John Deere with Dad. From 8th grade on he spent
most of his summers working at John Deere repairing all kinds of farm
equipment. Kenneth had a keen understanding of equipment computer
operations and was the preferred mechanic by many farmers.
Around 2004, Kenneth heard of a little girl who perished because there
was no one to drive the ambulance. This spurred Kenneth to action. After
working at John Deere for forty years, he trained as an Emergency
Medical Technician and then became the Director of EMS Services in
Thomas County. He also maintained and drove the ambulance. Kenneth was
Mom’s personal driver and was willing to take her anywhere for a family
gathering. Regardless of the location, Kenneth willingly served as
chauffer and even more willingly beat anyone in a board game.
Kenneth was a world traveler and relished learning new things. He
traveled to New Zealand, Australia, Israel, Greece, Panama, most of
western Europe, among other destinations, including five visits to
relatives in Denmark. Kenneth was known as a jovial friend. He was Mom’s
traveling companion on Golden Passport trips. He served on the board of
both the Western Plains Arts Association and Pickin’ on the Plains and
regularly took Mom to their concerts. A faithful son, he stood by Mom’s
side always, tenderly caring for her in her last days. What a son!
Kenneth woke each day to put in an honest day’s work helping others,
rather than thinking of himself. He worked tirelessly and played
joyfully (especially if a game of Rook was on the line!). His life was
undergirded by his faith in almighty God. Kenneth died as he lived -
with his boots on.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is
survived by all seven of his siblings: Wilma Lauber (Mike) of Hill City,
KS, Rita Crews (Paul) of Neosho, MO, David Gatlin (Oleva) of Shell
Knob, MO, Dorothy Macy (Kenton) of Charleston, IL, Diana Weatherford
(Kim) of Flower Mound, TX, Duane Gatlin (Christina) of Tomball, TX, and
Terry Gatlin (Michelle) of Pratt, KS; sixteen nieces and nephews (and
their spouses): Amber Morris (Philip), McKinzie Newman (Joe), Matthew
Crews, Maria Crews, Nathan Macy, Aaron Macy, Stacia Macy, Emma
Weatherford, Abby Weatherford, Jonathan Gatlin, Andrew Gatlin, Sarah
Gatlin, Elijah Gatlin, Samuel Gatlin, Gabby Gatlin, and Luke Gatlin; and
seven great nieces and nephews: Ethen, Shaelyn, Tyler, Bryden, Payton,
Anna, and Paul. The family would like to thank Parkwood Village in
Pratt, Kansas, for welcoming Kenneth into their community.
Kenneth's Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 17th at 2:00 PM at
the First Presbyterian Church in Colby, KS (515 W Fourth Street, Colby,
KS). The family will receive guests from 1:00-1:45 PM before the
service. Following the service, those wanting to attend the burial at
Lone Star Cemetery may join a caravan that will form at the church.
The services may also be viewed via Zoom using the following internet link and information.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88965633008?pwd=OXpmOEJ1YjNSWWJ1ejBrWXR5MHdhUT09
Meeting ID: 889 6563 3008
Passcode: 67701
or
One can participate by phone by dialing1 346 248 7799 and following the prompts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Colby First Presbyterian
Church or Western Plains Arts Association (1225 S Range Ave, Colby, KS
67701). Arrangements are under the direction of Baalmann Mortuary.