Michael Gatlin, 69, died March 13, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer in Pueblo West, Colorado.
He was born Oct. 17, 1955 in Garden City.
He married Becky (Barr) Gatlin Aug. 18, 1974. She survives.
He worked hard for his family, owning and operating his own businesses since 1972. He worked in the oil field during the 1970’s and 1980’s. In 1988, he started a BBQ catering business known as Mike’s BBQ America and Gatlin Auction Company in Liberal, serving the surrounding region. He retired in the fall of 2024 after 36 years in the auction business.
He was a past member of the Colorado Auctioneers Association, the National Auctioneers Association, and served as President of the Kansas Auctioneers Association, to which he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
He was well known for helping those in need and offering his services to the community however he could.
He enjoyed fly fishing, big game and upland bird hunting, golfing and being “PaPa.”
Survivors also include children, Lance Gatlin (Kelly), and Larkin Gatlin; and three grandchildren: Aiden, Kinley and Layla, all of Pueblo West, Colo.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Barbara Gatlin.
• Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Montgomery & Steward Funeral Home, in Pueblo, Colo.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Montgomery & Steward Funeral Home, in Pueblo, Colo. For anyone unable to attend the funeral, a livestream and downloadable version of the service will be available through www.montgomerysteward.com.
Graveside services will follow the funeral at the LaVeta, Colo. Community Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the First Christian Church at 920 N. Clay Avenue in Liberal.
Memorials are suggested to Pheasant Heaven Charities at PO Box 338, Hugoton, KS 67951.
