James L. Gatton

James L. Gatton, 89, of Mattoon, IL, passed away at 2:07 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, in Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.

James was born on May 30, 1936, in Shelby County, IL, the son of the late Lester James and Norma Velma (Stockdale) Gatton. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1953 and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. James retired as Tech Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force in 1974. He later worked as administrator of the Shelby Manor for several years and then with the Illinois Department of Public Health in the lead prevention program. He married Marcia Lynn Stewardson on February 15, 1959, in San Antonio, TX, and she preceded him in death on November 28, 2006.

He is survived by his son, William J. “Bill” Gatton (Anna) of The Dalles, OR; daughters, Debbie Prater (Evan) of Mattoon, IL, and Karen Gatton of Mattoon, IL; brother, David “Bub” Gatton of Chatham, IL; sisters, Betty Garner of Monrovia, MD and Norma Padgett of Assumption, IL; sister-in-law, Nancy Gatton of Shelbyville, IL: five grandchildren, Chris Sparr (Katrina) of Charleston, IL, Brian Sparr (Danielle) of Arkansas, Stephanie Wade (Joe) of Missouri, Jennifer Ballinger (Blake) of Mattoon, IL; and Caitlynn Gatton of Oregon; and four great grandchildren, Lexis Wade of Missouri, Davina and Benjamin Ballinger of Mattoon, IL, and bonus great grandson, Liam Ingle of Charleston, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marcia; brother, Henry Gatton, Sr.; brothers-in-law, Doug Stewardson, Larry Garner and Kenny Padgett; and sister-in-law, Emily Gatton.