Elmer Marcellus "Ninky" Gatton
May 7, 1942 ~ January 28, 2011
Services:
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD with Fr. Joe Dobson officiating. Interment will be private.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.
Elmer Marcellus “Ninky” Gatton, Jr., 68, of Hollywood, MD, passed away January 28, 2011 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born May 7, 1942 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Elmer Marcellus and Abbie Lorraine Morgan Gatton, Sr… Mr. Gatton was the husband of Linda Mae Bussler Gatton whom he married on November 9, 1963 in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Compton, MD. He is also survived by his children; Jackie Marcellus Gatton (Fiancée Donna Spalding) of Mechanicsville, MD, Joseph Terry Gatton, Sr. and Susan Leigh Clements (Daniel L.) both of Hollywood, MD, and one grandson Joseph Terry Gatton, Jr., as well as his siblings; Steve Gatton (Ruth Ann), Judy Howard (Steve), Frances Gatton, and Jo Ann Demko (Vic) all of Hollywood, MD and Diane Whittle (Ron) of Indiana. He was preceded in death by his siblings; Jackie Gatton and June Gatton. Ninky was born into a large family farm operation of the old country ways, holding true to family traditions of generations passed. He was proud to work a long side his father, farming, and also learning welding, mechanics and carpentry. Ninky was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County and attended Leonardtown High School. In the late 1950’s Ninky was a member of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a certified diver and waterman. His greatest love was spending time on the on the Patuxent River and Sotterley Creek. He began his apprenticeship in the HVAC industry in the mid 1960’s, serving a dedicated 40 plus years before his retirement, developing many long term clients and friendships. Ninky enjoyed being part of his large family, telling tales of pranks with his brother, sisters and cousins. He also enjoyed reminiscing of his favorite car, a 1956 Crown Victoria, which he named Little Devil. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, gardening and growing the largest vegetables and roses possible. Ninky was a free spirited and giving man who enjoyed good laughs and jokes. He treasured time and conversations with his local waterman buddies and most of all he loved his wife, children, grandson and his large family. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where a funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM with Fr. Joe Dobson officiating. Interment will remain private. Contributions in memory of Elmer Marcellus “Ninky” Gatton, Jr. can be made to the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636 and/or the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 7, Hollywood, MD 20636.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
“God has him in his arms, he was Loved by all who knew him and May he Rest in Peace <3 God Bless you all...I'm Very sorry"
“To Jack, Suzie, Terrie, Donna, and Linda please no that we are truely sorry for the loss of your father/husband. Ninky was definitly an angel sent from heaven to each and every person who had the honor of being a part of his life. Truely an amazing person in our eyes and heart. Ninky you are and always will be truely missed and loved. I enjoyed the times during this past holiday season to sit and talk and tell jokes to one another, and I remember the laughter I have on my cell phone that had you cracking up for hours. It was great times and to those in his life you are all in our thoughts,minds,and prayers he is at peace and at rest with the lord and never out of our hearts, mind, and souls. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU NINKY !!!”
“To all of the Gatton Family, we are saddened by the loss of Ninky. We enjoyed the time we spent with him talking about the history of the farm and talking about our lives growing up in Southern Maryland. He was a kind man and we will miss him very much.”
“Elmer, I don’t know what to say other then thank you. We had some long talks together. Not very often is there a friendship with a large age gap, but when you told me to stop calling you Mr. Gatton that your friends called you Elmer, I knew we were friends. We helped each other with some rough times. I’ll miss hearing “hey bud” or “hey Mark” when you saw me. I would leave an hour early to go to work and you would be waiting at Burchmart to just shoot the breeze with me. You fixed the a/c in my van and would not take a dime. I feel like I lost a family member, well you were and I’m glad I had the chance to get to know you. I hope you are at peace but, I’m going to miss my buddy. I spent 3 hours trying to show you how your new van worked, I never told you but I had a blast setting there listening to your country music. I miss ya bud. This is not easy to say goodbye to such a good friend. Until I see ya again, goodbye buddy. “
“Elmer will be truley missed loved his company and conversations at the Hollywood Burchmart. Our thoughts prayers go out to his family and to his very close friends…May God grant all of you the peace that you need during this time. Thank you Elmer for your laugh and your company..Rest in Peace our friend and fly with God “
“To the Gatton Family, We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. “
“GREW UP WITH ELMER AND FAMILY, 40 YRS AGO. BOY’S ARE HARD, GIRL’S ARE BEAUTIFUL. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU’ALL THROUGH THESE TIMES. GOD BLESS..”
“Our hearts will never stop aching, our tears will never stop falling because of the love we have for you. You were taken from us too soon, we still had many memories to make. We know you are out of the pain and suffering that you endured the last 2 years of your life. I don’t know how you made it to me on that day, it had to be by the grace of god. I held you in my arms and told you how much we loved you. We will cherish the family moments, the things that brothers and sisters go through and we will never forget you. We know that you are with Dad and Mom and all the family that has gone before you and will watch over us and keep us straight, especially,”THE POSSE”. To Jackie, Terry, Susie, we want you to know how much your dad loved you with all his heart and soul. Brother we will never say goodbye, but we will see you later and love you always. “
“Terry, we are truly sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family in this difficult time. God Bless!”
” To the family of Ninky So sorry for your loss My prayers are with all the family in this time of sorrow. God Bless.”
“Terr: My heart hurts for you and your family. Take comfort in those that love you. God Bless. Love, Cathy Shumaker “
“Dear Gatton Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Elmer was certainly a character. May God bless and help you through this difficult time.”
“Terry, words cannot express how deeply saddened I was to here of Pops passing away. When he had nothing to do and so much time on his hands he would come and hang out with you at Carquest or where ever you were. I know that you treasured him dearly and even though he is not here with you daily he will always be in your heart and forever there he will live on. HUGS to you Bubbba. “
“Words, however kind, can’t mend your heartache: but those who care and share your loss wish you, comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength, in the love of family, and in the warm embrace, of friends. “
“Jack, Linda & Family We are so sorry for the sudden loss of your dad/husband. I know nothing we can say will take the hurt away but always know we are here if you need someone.”
“Linda and family, We are very sorry to hear about Elmer’s passing. Elmer was a remarkable friend and co-worker. He was an asset to the business and loved by many customers. We have so many wonderful memories from parties and picnics. Do you remember that trip to the Catskills in the RV? Can you believe we expected to park an RV in New York City and go sight-seeing. ? Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Joyce and Geety Keller “
“So sorry to here about Ninky. Such a good friend. We will never forget him helping our daughter Jonnie out with a college project. She needed oyster tongs and Ninky never even hesitated in giving her the brand new ones hanging on his living room wall. Very generous. We will miss you and your funny stories.”
“We would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of “Ninky”. Allthough we did not know him well, we know that he was a special member of the family. Our deepest sympathies are with the family.”
“Linda and Family, Elmer was only a phone call away when my late father George E. in his last years needed his AC unit serviced. After my Dad passed Elmer was ony a phone call away for me too to take care of those AC situations. Though problems were far and few in between it seemed they would always occur on a weekend. Without fail Elmer was on the scene that same day and sometimes that same hour. Of course,after he finished his work, he would always have a story or two to share with me. Take care. “
“JACK,TERRY AND SUSAN, WE ARE SO SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME AS WELL AS OUR THOUGHTS.”
“To Linda Mae and Family my condolences on hearing of Ninky’s passing. May God’s peace comfort you at this time. To Steve, Judy, Diane, Frances and Jo Ann my prayers are with you all. When Betsey called Tuesday to let me know my heart became heavy, but my memories have made me smile. I have such happy memories of growing up with your family on Vista road and working in the tobacco fields with all the Gatton clan. Ninky will always be remembered fondly. God Bless . “
“I’ve only known Elmer and Linda for a couple of years, but I saw a lovely couple and two very loving people who were devoted to each other and to their Lord. I regret that I was unable to attend Elmer’s Life celebration. He will truly be missed at St. John’s UEC on Sunday mornings.”
“”To the Gatton Family, We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. He is at peace and at rest with God, and will be forever in our hearts. “
“Linda Mae and Family – we are so sorry to hear of your loss and pray that God will hold you in his arms and surround you with love. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.”
“I FEEL GOD TOOK YOU TO SOON, BUT I UNDERSTAND WHY, GOD FELT YOUR PAIN, AND HE WANTED SOMETHING BETTER FOR YOU, AND KNEW YOU WOULD BE IN A BETTER PLACE WITH MOM AND DAD AND ALL THE FAMILY THAT HAS PASSED BEFORE YOU. SO I KNOW IN MY HEART YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WATCHING OVER ME AND EVERYONE THAT YOU’VE LOVED. THIS IS NOT GOODBYE, BECAUSE I WILL SEE YOU AT A LATER TIME, I LOVE YOU ALWAYS YOUR SISTER DIANE.. OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU TERRI, JACKIE AND SUSIE “
“We will miss seeing Elmers friendly face in the office. He was a delight. Our thoughts & prayers go out to the his family.”
“Terry, So sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you, he is still with you at heart and is an angel on your shoulder now. Believe me that is true as I have a lot of angels on my shoulders. I’m here for you if you need anything. Love, Cathy (Mom)”
“Linda Mae and family. We were so sorry to hear of Ninky’s passing. He is in God’s hands now with no pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!”
“Terry, So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.”
“I just wanted to let Elmer’s Family know how much I will miss Elmer although I would not have had the pleasure if I had not purchased a certain heating/ac system and Elmer must have been part of the package as I saw him every Winter at least twice or more. I also began to see him the last 3 or 4 summers! So I guess I won’t be calling him and pray he’ll get the cold air moving again. Elmer was like my Dad -if he didn’t know how to repair something — he’d sure learn before he went away. Anyways I will miss him and his asking” Is it hot enough for you?” “
“Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Elmer. We know he will be missed by his family and all who knew him.”
“Terry – So sorry for your loss. I can remember the days of your father in Hayden’s visiting and telling stories and he was a wonderful person. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time. “
“I have had the honor to meet Elmer once in the past few months and it seems like the other day we all talked and laughed and had the honor to meet each other….You will be greatly missed and your family will be in my prayers always.”
“To the Gatton Family, He will be GREATLY missed, and I am very sorry for your loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Mr. Gatton will truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers will go out to his family. Rest in peace Elmer. Susan – please contact me. jcpjandrye@gmail.com“
“DAD, WORDS WILL NEVER REPLACE YOU , BUT THEY WILL COMFORT ME SOMETIMES ! I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE AND AT PEACE ! DAD IT KILLED US TO SEE YOU GO BUT WATCHING YOU FLY WAS THE BEST THING THAT COULD OF HAPPENED TO YOU BECAUSE OF THE LAST TWO YEARS ! WE ARE SORRY THAT YOU HAD TO GO THROUGH THAT ! BUT IT ALSO BROUGHT US ALOT CLOSER TO UNDERSTANDING THINGS I WENT THROUGH. DAD THANKS AGAIN FOR SEEING MY PAIN AND BEING THERE FOR ME ! ALTHOUGH WE WILL MISS YOU UNTIL THE DAY WE MEET AGAIN I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU IN MY HEART AND SOUL, THANKS FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU WERE ALWAYS ABLE TO SHOW DAD WE YOU LOVE LOVE ALWAYS YOUR #1 SON AND YOUR BUDDY DONNA “
“Rest in Peace Elmer , being in the HVAC industry , I’ve known Elmer for many years , he will be missed so much. He was just in my office few days before he passed I was shocked of the news. God be with you and family! Shannon at Aireco Supply Inc.”