Keith Ellis Gatson

Keith Ellis Gatson, Senior, was born on December 16, 1953, to Dorothy Gatson and Miner Gatson, Junior, in Compton, California.  He was the third child to this union of five children.

Keith senior passed away in Riverside, CA, on January 3, 2022, at the age of 68 years old, from medical complications due to illness.  

As a young adult he attended St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, where he was baptized and received a certificate of baptism. He also attended Greater Zion Church on Wilmington Avenue, in Compton, California, where he sang in the choir.  Keith gave his life to Christ at a very early age and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. 

Keith received his early education at George Washington Elementary school and Willowbrook Junior High school, where he ran track and as a member of the track team.  He graduated high school from Centennial High, in Compton, California.  He received his pet grooming certification and worked as a dog groomer during his adult life.  Keith loved animals; he owned and cared for many different breeds of dogs. 

Keith met the love of his life Debra Elaine Thomas in 1967.  They were married and together they shared two children; Tina Gatson-Fair and Keith Ellis Gatson, Jr.  He also met and spent many years of his life with Ms. Bobbie Finks, who would come to be known as his second cherished significant other.  Keith was loved by his family and friends.  Most people remember his fun, uncompromising, authentic personality. He was passionate about music and he enjoyed sports, especially basketball and football.

Keith was preceded in death by his father Miner Gatson, Jr., and mother Dorothy Gatson and his youngest brother Terry Gatson.  He leaves behind his two children Tina Gatson-Fair (married to Alfonzo Fair), and Keith Ellis Gatson, Jr.; and his grandchildren, Phillip Akins and Keshawn Gatson; his siblings Delores, Charles, and Antoinette.  He was preceded in death by his niece Michelle Theresa Sears and nephew Jeffrey Bernard Baber.  He also leaves behind his immediate first nieces and nephews, Anthony Baber, Dwayne Rose, Jodie Baber, Dana Atlas, Kimberly Miller, and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Isaiah 25:8

The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from ALL faces;

he will remove his people’s shame, disgrace, and mockery from all the land and the earth.

For the Lord has spoken it!

The family asks that you please check back next week for details regarding the memorial service.  We look forward to honoring Keith with the loving home-going virtual service.

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Memorial Service

Sunday, February 06, 2022

1:00 PM

Due to uncertainty surrounding omicron and the current COVID-19 pandemic, for the safety of our friends and family we will be gathering for a Virtual Memorial Service in honor of Keith Ellis Gatson, Sr. Please find the Zoom link below. We are saddened not to see you in person. If you have any questions, please call the Virtual Memorial Host Tina Gatson, at (310) 714-6443. We look forward to seeing you virtually.

Date: Feb 6, 2022

Time: 1:00 PM Pacific Time / 4:00 PM Eastern Time

Format: Virtual via Zoom

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Meeting ID: 882 2528 0088

Passcode: 257811

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