Billy Gatton

Billy Don Gatton, was born on July 13, 1947, in Salem, Illinois to the late Lawrence and Beatrice (Pointer) Gatton. His light was extinguished on October 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and adventure. Billy was an empathetic soul who shared his love generously with all those around him.

When Billy lost his dad, he was just 18 months old, his formative years were embraced and supported by the Gatton and Meyer family, his maternal grandparents, his uncles and aunts, John and Juanita Gatton and Marion (Pointer) and Marvin Meyer. Billy graduated from Salem Illinois Highschool in 1967. He found true love in Gloria Kottmeyer and they married on Saturday, October 21, 1967 in Centralia, IL.

Billy was an adventurous spirit with a passion for life and an insatiable curiosity that led him down many paths. He was a man of many talents, with hobbies ranging from knitting, crocheting, and sewing to bird watching and photography. His love for travel brought him to many corners of the world, enriching his life and the lives of those he touched. Billy was an avid reader and loved to challenge himself with crossword puzzles. He also had a knack for electronics and was a loving parent to his cats Rosie and Alex. His generosity and compassion were reflected in his active pursuit of becoming a Sons of the American Revolution member, honoring his family's deep-rooted history.

Billy's professional accomplishments were equally impressive. He was a dedicated manager for AON in Baltimore, Maryland, where his empathetic nature and generous spirit made him a beloved figure in his workplace. He was a beacon of strength, resilience, and determination, living by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Billy left an indelible trail of love, compassion, and adventure in his wake.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Gatton, their son S. Kyle (Joanna Daryanani) Gatton of Puerto Rico along with their children; Codey, Khloe, Abby, Addy, and their daughter Lawanna ( Walter Champagne, Jr.) Gatton of North Granby Connecticut and his 4 daughters; Katrina, Amber, Shyanne, and Kinsley, and their fur babies Leela, Finn, and Stark, and a great-grandson Grayson, along with extensive extended family of cousins that he kept in touch with over the years. He is preceded in death by his father Lawrence Gatton, mother Beatrice Risinger, brother Johnny Risinger, and step-grandson Timothy Rice.

Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in Shire Cemetery in Robinson Illinois. The family has entrusted care and arrangements to Frary Funeral Home, 530 East Main Street, Malone, 518-483-5750.

As we remember Billy, we invite you to share your memories and photographs on his memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a comforting reminder of the adventurous, compassionate, empathetic, and generous man that Billy was. Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhome.com. Let us celebrate Billy's life together, remembering the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice.