Donald Harland Gatlin was born in Hulett, Wyoming on November 17, 1925 to John and Priscilla Gatlin. He shared an amazing childhood with his siblings William (Dubbie), Grant, Wesley, and Louise. The Gatlin family has been blessed with many timeless stories about their upbringing and love for one another.
Don married Nellie Bea Blaylock, and they had three children, Rick, Rhonda, and Randy. Don and Nellie later divorced. Subsequently, he shared periods of his life with Julia Hilliard and Bonnie Graham. Don loved his children deeply and had a very special relationship with each one of them.
Don spent his industrious life mining coal, shearing sheep, and working for the Powder River County Highway Department until he eagerly retired in 1989. Upon retirement, he maintained the family homestead, where he continued sheep ranching, volunteered his time in the community helping the highway department, and performed ground keeping duties at the Rolling Hills Golf Course. Don was also an active member of the Masons.
Don shared an immeasurable part of his life with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Brandon (Tahnee), their children Macy (Gus), and Landry; Mohria, and daughter, Iyana; Chad (Cynde Jo) their children Hayle (David), Dalton, Karli, Aria, and Myla; Courtney, and daughter, Avriana.
Don was an incredible competitor and his steel-eyed focus could be observed at the pool table, bowling alley, golf course, shooting range, or card table. Win or lose, he was always gracious and humble. Don always had a special place in his heart for music, singing, and dancing. He always had an aptitude to better himself and found exercise, reading, and studying all forms of history fulfilling.
The Broadus community, friends, and family were Don’s legacy. He leaves behind generations of people that were able to experience his love, kindness, gentleness, and encouragement. He could give you a history lesson on the many generations of countless families from the Broadus area and spoke highly of them all. Don was the measuring stick for many on how to treat others and what it truly means to be an exceptionally good person. He never judged, gossiped, or said an unkind word about another. He would greet you with a smile and naturally showed empathy, love, and kindness to everyone. His character never ever wavered. He was genuinely humble, optimistic, and a gentleman, every day, until he took his last breath. He gave everyone the time of day and made you feel important. He didn’t care about titles or stature; rather, he cared about you. He leaves behind a tremendously large family spanning all of Powder River County. The Broadus community was the true love of his life. The Rolling Hills Golf Course will never be the same without him, but his memory will always live on there, in the fairways and on the greens. We can look forward to the day we’re reunited with him and carry the many fond memories we have until then.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Rolling Hills Golf Course.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday December 20, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 2, 2021
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Tom and Judy Collins says
We are so sorry to hear about Don. He was such a wonderful man. It will be sad not seeing him on the golf course. We are thinking of all of his family.
Carol Hanrahan says
The community lost a wonderful man, another dear friend of my dad’s. My thoughts and prayers for his family at this difficult time. Rest easy, Don …..
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
ArLynn and Walter Archer says
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. A long, full life. The last of that generation of the wonderful Gatlin family. So many memories. To all the next generation of the Gatlin family our thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Ann Roberts says
So very sorry. He was such a nice guy. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, take care. Ron and Ann Roberts
Klayton and Mary Jane Rogge says
My heart is breaking for the Gatlin family. The Broadus community lost another great guy. He influenced four generations with his smile and genuine care and love. He made a huge difference and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Hope heaven has a great golf course and you hit them long and straight. R.I.P., DON.
Diana Edwards says
our deepest sympathy to all of you. Don had so much influence on so many kids, golfers or not. I remember him sheering sheep for us one year, and whatever he did, he always had that beautiful smile! Go in peace, Don Gatlin!
Bruce Klapmeier says
So sorry to hear of Dons passing. Glad I got to visit with him this summer. He was THE best boss I ever had. We all respected him immensely!
Carmen Knutson says
This news makes me so sad. Don was one of those men that you felt blessed to know. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye. May his family find comfort in the wonderful memories he leaves. Aces high, my friend. You will be dearly missed!
Linda Walker says
My condolences to the family. He was a fine man.
Merlin Brown says
For the 40+ years that I have had the pleasure of knowing and hanging out with Don I had some of the best times. He always had that smile and was sure a competitive opponent at anything he did. RIP buddy.
SALLY A. BORLA says
DON WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY AND YES, HE WAS ALWAYS SO FRIENDLY AND KIND. SINCERE SYMPATHY TO ALL THE GATLIN FAMILY AND KNOW I AM THINKING OF YOU–HE CERTAINLY LIVED A FULL LIFE AND I WOULD SAY ENJOYED EVERY DAY HE WAS ON THIS EARTH. GOD BLESS.
Ginger says
What an all-around person…Don could do anything he set his mind to! He was patient enough to show me how to play pool when I was in my teens. The skills are pretty much gone, but the appreciation of him mentoring me will always remain in my heart. I hope he knew how much he was loved and appreciated by his wide scope of friends and acquaintances. His quiet ways, along with that boyish grin, and especially his friendship will be missed terribly. Sincere condolences to his family.
Ron Bidwell says
I had a great admiration for Don. Many years ago he taught a group of us to shoot .22s at the rifle range. He was a legend in his own time. Never was a better man.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Gatlin family, he really seemed to enjoy life and people.
Pam and Dave Nisley says
How we loved this man!!! Because of his faith in Jesus Christ, we have the promise of being reunited🤗…….if we too have a relationship with Jesus💕. Praying for comfort for all his dear loved ones!!!
Bernice Rolfson says
So many great memories of Don and his family. They were one of the first friends we made when we moved to Broadus. RIP my friend. Prayers to the family.
Corey & Diana says
Blessings to all of Don’s family this Christmas and always! He had such a humble and loveable demeaner to go along with his fiercely competitive spirit…it kept him “young” and endeared to so many through a LOT of years of living and we count it a blessing to have known him and called him friend. For now we will certainly miss our Brother in Christ but look forward to a joyful reunion one fine day in the everlasting arms of Jesus.
Norm and Julie Samuelson says
Don was a very special guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Georgia Bement says
We will miss this wonderful man . We always had a great time visiting and playing golf . I love it if I won a quarter and he would spin his cap , like wise when I lost to him he would take his hat and hit his leg and laugh . I so enjoyed Don for letting me be apart of his life . I will cherish the times I played golf with Don and Rick . May the Lord Jesus bring comfort to the Family . Wonderful Times my dear Friend . Love ya .
Joni-Hopkins Schmitt says
What a huge loss, to his family especially, but to the community as a whole. My prayers for strength and healing are with you all.
Kathy and Jim Bowers says
The first thing I think about when I think of Don is his easy smile. Don will be missed by so many people and I’m sure a guardian angel for many. RIP dear man. May God’s grace be with his family.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
I am deeply saddened at Don’s passing. But, I was so richly blessed by his life. Hanging out at his house with Rhonda, Jr Rifle Club, where he was my instructor, being a big part of Brandon,Mohria, Chad and Courtney’s life, all are precious memories. Listening to him sing with that beautiful clear voice and then, also to Rhonda and Mohria, it is certain his legacy will live on! He has left an indelible imprint on the hearts of so many in this community! Rest in the arms of Jesus, Don.
bill janssen says
Gatlin family. There is nothing I can say that hasn’t already or will be said about Grandpa Don. Just wish I could’ve golfed a lot more with him. One of the nice guys ever. Left some wonderful family for the rest of us to enjoy. May he rest in peace.
Marla Malley says
He was a good man. May God bless you all.
Bob Cook says
My condolences to the Gatlin family. Truly, one of the nicest guys, that I have ever known. Powder River County lost an icon. RIP Don
Skin and Betty Collins says
Prayers and hugs to all the Gatlin family. Don was always a hero to me. When I was in Jr. Rifle Club he knew I was having problems at home. He was so understanding and took me under his wing. Can’t believe that has been over 60 years ago. I told him lately that he was my hero and with those twinkle in his eyes that said more than words said humbly thank you Betty. Rest in peace Don you left a big hole in this community . Until we meet again.
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
Prayers to all of Don’s family. He will be greatly missed.
Pete Stabio says
I am sorry for your loss but happy that you were able to have so many years and memories with this wonderful man. As a teenager I became a fan of Don’s as a result of his soft demeanor and his outstanding alethic ability. Don’s friendly ways and his ready smile were an inspiration to me in my youth.