It is with deep sadness that the family of Thomas Joseph Gatton announce his sudden passing on November 12, 2021, at the age of 76. Tom was born in Fresno, California, and was a graduate of The University of California, Berkeley.  

Tom will be lovingly remembered by his family - his wife of 45 years Linda; his daughter Sarah (Jeremy) Garcia, his brother Kenneth (Linnea) Gatton, and numerous other family members, including his lab Kate, and Smokey the pug. Tom lovingly missed his former hunting partners and faithful labs, Missy and Maggie, and the wirehaired Max. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. Tom will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Turlock Memorial Park.  

Memorial donations may be made in Tom’s name to Modesto AmBassAdors, Attn: Ben Hetrick, 601 N. Tully, Turlock, CA 95380. An annual, “Take a Special Person Fishing Tournament,” is held by the Modesto Ambassadors.  A special person is someone who is mentally challenged and is taken out on a lake in our boats for a three to four hour fishing trip.  We also have a barbecue and trophies for each participant.  The tournament is funded by Modesto AmBassAdors.