MARION W. 'BUD' GATTON, 89, formerly of Burden and Derby, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2010 in Orlando, Florida.

Born on November 14, 1921 in Burden, Kansas, he was the son of Marion W. Sr. and Myrtle (Lipperd) Gatton. He was raised and received his education in Burden and graduated from Burden High School in 1939.

A veteran of World War II., Mr. Gatton proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Marion was united in marriage to Bernice "Jackie" Jones in Reno, Nevada on February 2, 1942. The couple resided in Wichita and Derby where he owned and operated Gatton's Bootery. In 1962 the couple moved to Kenneth City, Florida. Bud was a Postal Clerk at Gateway Mall in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mrs. Gatton preceded him in death January 19, 1988. He moved to Winter Springs, Florida in 2003.

Mr. Gatton was a member of the VFW Sunshine City Post #6827, DAV Chapter #13, both St. Petersburg, and Derby Masonic Lodge #365 in Derby, Kansas. He was a "shade tree" mechanic who became an airplane mechanic during the war. He could fix anything and he loved to fish.

His family includes:
His daughter: Nancy L. Orrin of Berlin, Germany;
His son: Robert D. Gatton of Winter Springs, FL; and
His 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Dad, keep your endgate up!

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the Burden Cemetery in Burden, Kansas.

The family requests memorials in Bud's name be made to the charity of their choice.