Larry "Joe" Gatton

In Loving Memory of Larry “Joe” Gatton

April 29, 1939 – April 27, 2025

Larry “Joe” Gatton, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 29, 1939, in Robinson, Illinois, Joe was the son of Earl and Helen Knoblett Gatton.

Joe and his family moved to East Texas during his senior year of high school and graduated from Carlisle High School, where he was a proud member of the football team. He went on to attend Kilgore Junior College before relocating to Pasadena, Texas. It was there that he began his career in the vending machine industry, eventually founding his own company, Ranger Amusement Service. Known to many as “Joe, The Jukebox Man,” he built a reputation for dedication and good humor. His parents later joined him in Pasadena and together they started Ranger Vending Service.

Deeply committed to his community, Joe was a generous supporter of youth sports—sponsoring his daughter’s softball league and coaching his children in a variety of sports. He found great joy in encouraging young athletes and creating opportunities for them to thrive. He was a familiar fixture at high school football games watching his children participate in various sporting events and activities.

Joe and his beloved wife Joyce built their dream home in Plum Grove, affectionately known as “Jack Ass Flats” where they spent over two decades enjoying country life. The horses on the property provided an opportunity for their children to compete in Play Days. Their home was a welcoming place filled with laughter, country cooking and the warmth of family gatherings. It was a true sanctuary for their children and grandchildren. Joe loved to fish, boat, camp and hunt. He managed a deer lease for many years so that his friends and family would be able to join him in his love of hunting.

His commitment to serving others extended far beyond business. As a proud Freemason, Joe lived by the principles of fellowship, service, and integrity. Throughout his life, he quietly and consistently helped those in need, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Gatton; parents Earl and Helen Gatton; sister Sue Redmon; daughter Carolyn Partridge, son Charles Partridge and grandson Jeremy Partridge.

He is survived by a large and loving family, including his daughters Kathy Eshelman (Jack), Donna Sutton (Darrell), Sheila Bowers (Jim Bob); son, Larry Earl Gatton; brother Gary Gatton (Judy); grandchildren Brandon Partridge (Katie), Chris Partridge, Larry Earl Gatton II (Heidi), Monica Valentin (Robert), Blake Scott (Victoria),Ryan Tyler, Ash-Lee Gatton Ramirez, Robert “Bo” Bowers (Rosina), Airika Bowers (Stevie), Tanner Whitmire, Elizabeth Eshelman, Makayla “Nel” Scott, Tervin Burton. He is also survived by 21 great grandchildren, numerous relatives and family.

Joe Gatton’s legacy is one of hard work, generosity, and love for family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Visitation will be held for Joe Gatton at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Cleveland, Texas on April 30th, 2025 from 5pm - 7pm. The funeral service will be held at the Pace-Stancil Chapel in Cleveland, Texas on May 1st, 2025 at 10 am. Joe Gatton will be laid to rest next to his wife at Pace-Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens in Cleveland, Texas. Those chosen to serve as pallbearers are Robert “Bo” Bowers, Larry Gatton, Stevie Johnston, Dicky Scott, Darrell Sutton, Danny Tyler, Ryan Tyler, and Tanner Whitmire. Honorary Pallbearers are Kayden Johnston and Jim Bob Whitmire.