Kenneth W. Gatten

Kenneth W. Gatten, of Mechanicsburg, born in Carlisle, passed into glory on November 18, 2021 at the age of 71.  He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde R. Gatten and Violet M. Gatten and eight siblings whom he loved very much.  He was survived by his wife, M. Joanne Gatten, his three sons and their families: Kenny W. and Elizabeth Gatten II of Camp Hill and their sons Kenny III and Joshua; P. Shane and Nicolle Gatten of Etters and their daughters, Kierstan and Juliana; Shawn and Nichole Gatten of Shiremanstown and their children Marietta and Ryker; sister Beulah Powell of South Dakota, sister-in-law Rebecca R. Gatten of Carlisle, brother-in-law Bill Russel of Shippensburg, and many nieces and nephews. 

Ken was a true servant of God, and considered it a great responsibility and a privilege to share the love of Jesus with everyone he came into contact with.  He was a faithful husband to his “Ladybug” and a loyal loving father to his three sons and their families.  He adored his six grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as, “Pappy”, “Happy” and “Grampa Ken.”

“Kenny” attended the Penn Elementary School in Carlisle, PA and was still in contact with several of his classmates at the time of his passing.  At age 18, Ken enlisted in the Marine Corp and served thirteen months in the Vietnam War as a demolition expert.  He also served as a Corporal at Camp Lejeune.  After returning from Vietnam, he met and married his wife.  Together, Ken and Joanne (M.J.) enjoyed 51 years of marriage and raising their three sons.  Ken retired from the Crooked Hill Road Post Office in Harrisburg after 13 years. Ken served in various roles at the River of God church in Enola since 1996.   In his retired life, he enjoyed quiet time on his from porch, meticulously caring for his lawn, golfing and sharing stories of the past with his grandchildren.   His loss created a great void in the community that surrounded him.  He will be deeply missed. Services will be held Wednesday November 24, 2021 at 12:00 noon at the River of God Church 747 Wertzville Rd, Enola. A viewing will be held from 11:00 am until time of service at the church. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville PA.

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