The Gatson Family invites you to join us in celebrating the life of Melvin David Gatson. We commemorate his home-going to be with his Lord and Savior on November 3, 2022, at home surrounded by the family he loved so much.  Melvin was born on May 12, 1948, to Melvin and Jearlean M. Gatson in Riverside, California, where he spent his adolescent and teen years.  Melvin attended elementary school in Riverside, Central Junior High School, and graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in 1966 and later attended Riverside City College and enlisted in USAF after being drafted twice.  Melvin's first assignment was Vietnam, where he filled liquid oxygen tanks, after returning from duty he cross-trained into Air Traffic Control and was an Air Traffic Controller until his retirement in 1991.  Melvin was stationed at Norton Air Force Base, California, Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter, South Carolina, Osan Air Force Base, South Korea.

Melvin is a member of Second Baptist Church in Riverside, California, where his mother was musical and choir director and his father was a deacon and wonderful role models to Melvin, his brother Milton and sister Cquvator Gatson who proceeded him in death.

Melvin enjoyed life, in his youth he sang in choir at church, attended Sunday school, mowed lawns for spending money, and respected the elderly. He liked to be out and about and among good, fun, and wise people, Barry Bonds, Dusty Baker lived and played ball in the same neighborhood.  Melvin loved The Temptations, the family designated him to do the Temptation Walk during family fun time with singing and dancing. He loved telling jokes, playing cards and bowling.  Melvin was passionate about sports officiating and was truly dedicated to the profession mentoring young officials.

Melvin was a Life member VFW 1717 and American Legion Post 125.  Melvin drove school buses for Riverside Unified School District.  He drove the Good Humor Ice Cream truck which played little jingles on his route.  He is survived by his loving wife Judy of 47 years, daughter, Leigh Ann Johnson, granddaughters Nathalie Gatson, and Noeme Johnson, grandson, Nathaniel David Gatson, great granddaughter, Izari Vines, and great grandson Malakai David Gatson, sister-in-law, Jule Hamilton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Melvin will be held Thursday, November 17, with viewing for the public from 4:00-7:00PM at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.  On Friday November 18, the funeral service will begin with a military gun salute in front of Lompoc High School at 4:00 PM, immediately followed by a repast/celebration inside of the gymnasium.

We ask that all sports officials in attendance, wear their officiating attire as we would like to acknowledge Mel's officiating family for their outpouring of love and support to our family during this difficult time.  Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery, service arrangements pending.