Melford Rex Gatton
August 19, 1922 - October 19, 2012

Longtime Lakeport resident Melford Rex Gatton, age 90, passed away Friday, Oct. 19, 2012.
 
Mel was born Aug. 19, 1922, to Rex and Inez Gatton in Kelseyville, Calif.

He graduated from Kelseyville High School in 1940 and was a Veteran of World War II, stationed in the Philippines, where he served as a radio operator in the infantry and played saxophone in a 14 piece dance band.

He met the love of his life, Lorraine, at Adam Springs the summer of 1949 and they married in Napa May 6, 1950.

Mel moved his growing family to Lakeport in 1956 where he was a TV repairman for several years and owned a pear orchard on Big Valley Road.

He served as a Lakeport Volunteer Fireman for 27 years and was a deputy of the Northern California State Fireman's Association for 22 years.  

Mel retired in 1982 as the manager of the Clear Lake Riviera. He served as a board member of the Lake County Vector Control for over 21 years, retiring last month.

Mel enjoyed Dixieland Jazz music and travels to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. He loved being with his family, playing his saxophone, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Mel is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorraine; his sons, Rex (Sharon) and Don (Sheila); his daughter, Cary; daughter-in-law, Judie; grandchildren, Amy, Erin, Allison, Sean, Courtney, Matthew, and Brian; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Cooper, Ethan, and Elliot; and sister, Donna Wolfgram.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Inez; sister, Nadean Colton; and his son, Brad Gatton.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

A celebration of his life will be held at the United Christian Parish, Seventh and Brush streets, at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 27.

Mel will be remembered most for helping others, his love for the Lakeport Fire Department, his passion for music, and for being a wonderful husband and father.

Memorial donations to the Lakeport Fire Department or charity of your choice would be most appreciated by the family.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .