Robert E. Gatten

Robert E. Gatten, 76, of Tuscarawas, and formerly of Newcomerstown, OH., passed away on Friday, December 4, 2015 in the Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia surrounded by the love and peace of family in the compassionate care of the hospice team. Survived by wife, Lillian Gatten, Children, Angela Demuth, Christy Milliken, Deb (Don) Lower, Mark (Sharon) Norman, and Tom Norman. Gatten was blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Born January 12, 1939, he was the son of Herman & Anna Gatten. Preceded in death by siblings John Gatten, Eleanor Gatten - Quillen, and Donald Gatten. Surviving siblings include, Bruce Gatten, and brother in law, Ralph Quillen.

Robert served in the U.S. Army-Special Services, 101st Airborne Division from 1957-1963. While serving in the Armed Forces, he also competed in boxing. He retired as a Kiln Fireman from Belden Brick in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Attended literature courses at Kent State University - New Philadelphia Branch. He was passionate about the arts and was gifted in many mediums of visual art. He was a multi-instrumentalist and very talented in all genres of music. His ability to share the gift of music by entertaining others was very inspiring. The volumes of writings left behind by Robert include, songwriting, lyrics, poems and short stories (some published, including contributing articles to the book, A Living History of Southern Ohio). Earlier work included writing and press operations for the St. Petersburg Times, now the "Tampa Bay Times," in St. Petersburg, FL. and press operations and writing for The Times Reporter in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Some of Bob's other hobbies included antique preservation and dealing, historic research, wood working/carving, gardening, making musical instruments, gun repair, fishing and painting murals for public/private art projects on the sides of barns and buildings. He enjoyed creating and sharing memories with family. Those memories are such a blessing to all who knew him.

Per Bob's request, there are no public services or calling hours, his wishes were to be remembered and celebrated by family with a more intimate celebration of his life. Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover, where eventually, his ashes will be buried with his wife, Lillian.

The family will be making a memorial donation to the Community Hospice House and would like others to make memorial contributions in Bob's name to the Hospice House.