Robert Andrew Gattis, 90, of Rushsylvania, went to the big parade in the sky on Tuesday evening, November 23, 2021.
Bob was born on January 28, 1931, in Pensacola, Florida. As a child, he lived in Jacksonville, Florida, and Augusta, Georgia, before moving to California where he graduated from Alhambra High School.
Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp, he retired in 1977 as a Sergeant Major (Master Gunnery Sergeant) after 30 years of service, including time in Korea (1954-1956). He fought at the Chosin Reservoir (one of the “Frozin Chosin”) and in Vietnam (1964-1966). Bob was part of the SOG (Studies and Operations Group). He was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. During his time in the service, he traveled worldwide performing his military duties. He was in charge of the U.S. Marine Corp Security Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Prague during the “Prague Spring” in 1968. He was also in charge of the USMC Embassy Security in Germany, Belgium, and Lima, Peru. Bob retired in 1977 from Quantico, Virginia.
Following his military retirement, Bob also worked as a dispatcher for the Bellefontaine Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, and retired from the U.S. Post Office where he worked in Lima and Russells Point. He had also worked at Montgomery Ward as a salesman, and worked as a security guard at Super Foods. Bob enjoyed reading, watching old movies, and watching military specials. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, family, and grandchildren. He was always ready to tell stories of his travels and adventures. Bob was the trivia king, movie buff, music lover, and friend to everyone. Always prepared with extra blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, and coats – no one was ever cold under his watch. He was a member of the Rushsylvania United Methodist Church.
Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judith Ann (English) Gattis, whom he met while working in Lima, Peru, and their children: Allen (Elisa) Gattis, Allison (Jason) Sarley, and Mary Beth (Kyle) Wright; seven grandchildren: Catherine Gattis, Oliver Gattis, Mark Sarley, Gabriel Wright, Samantha Wright, Michael Wright, and Lillian Wright; and a niece Alisha Feiertag.
Pastor Jessica Cavinee will officiate a graveside service on Monday, November 29, at 1 p.m. at Miami Cemetery (intersection of Township Road 51 East and County Road 5 North), with military honors provided by members of the Logan County Veteran Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rushsylvania United Methodist Church, 152 Rush St., Rushsylvania, OH 43347.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Gattis family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.