John L. Gatz's Obituary
IN LOVING MEMORY JOHN LEROY GATZ, October 17, 1931 - January 23,2024
John Leroy Gatz, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the age of 92. John was born in Detroit, Michigan, October 17, 1931 to Maynard Gatz and Gladys Lunger. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Martha Jane Walton Gatz; son David Thomas Gatz (Karen), grandsons Christopher and Collin (Kristen), great grandson Leo and great granddaughter Skylar; daughter Patricia Lynne Buikema (Chuck); and daughter Kathryn Meares Short, grandsons David and Todd Short (Carrie), great grandson Davis.
John graduated with a degree in business administration from the University of Florida, received an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and was a member of Beta Theta Pi since 1954. John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict in counterintelligence. He became a CPA following his separation from the Army and worked in private accountancy for over 50 years in Dallas, Garland, and Tyler, Texas. John was a member of Marvin Methodist Church of Tyler, Texas. Previously, he was a member of Lake Highlands United Methodist Church, Dallas; King of Glory Lutheran Church, Dallas; Central Lutheran Church, Dallas and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Tyler.
John and Jane traveled extensively via Airstream travel trailers, time shares, and visited all 50 of the United States and much of the free world via Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines since 2006. John enjoyed playing table tennis, working picture puzzles, and watching old westerns on TV.
The memorial service for John Gatz will be officiated by Mr. Sam Steele at the Abbey Chapel, Monday, January 29, 2024, at Restland Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243, Ph. 972-238-7111. Visitation will begin at 1 pm, the commitment service will follow.
In lieu of flowers consider these 501C3 options which were John’s favorites. KAIROS Prison Ministry KAIROS: KPMI-KOT-MICHAEL, P.O. Box 551389, Dallas, TX 75355-1389, and Friends of Michael Unit, P.O. Box 661, Tennessee Colony, Palestine, TX 75861.
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