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Edward Gatlin Obituary
Edward, known by most as "Ed" or "Eddie," is survived by many: the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Lisa, to whom he was married for forty-two years; his children and their spouses, Tyler and Ami (Woo), Shelbi and Anthony (Abi-Assaf), and Paden; siblings and spouses, Marla and Rick McGinnis, and Del and Marilyn Gatlin; in-laws, Victor Colaluca, Donald and Lisa Colaluca, Nancy and Jon Hooper, Mark Colaluca, Faye Colaluca, and Andrew and Debra Colaluca; his aunt, Velma Davis; many cousins; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends he adored. He was preceded by his parents, Delbert and Zelda Gatlin; in-laws, Donald and Joan Colaluca, and brother-in-law, Norman Colaluca.
Shortly after graduating from Lancaster High School, Eddie entered the world of cabinetry and millwork as a salesman. Guided by an inherent entrepreneurial spirit and with the unwavering support of his wife, he eventually pursued his own ventures and found distinguished success in the industry. His decades-long career was marked by his confidence and tireless work ethic.
Ed enjoyed many, many things. Among those were deep sea fishing, the New Orleans Saints, manning the grill while blasting good tunes, his rescued critters Clarence and Shirley, and taking in nature from his back patio while enjoying a cigar. To know Ed was to know his deep passion for sports. He was a gifted athlete-excelling in basketball, in particular-and he found great joy later in life as a coach. He left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless athletes he taught, trained, and mentored. He had a loyal group of close friends and looked forward to their near-daily phone calls and check-ins. But above all else, there was Ed's family.
Everything Ed did was for his wife and children. To witness his love for them in action was something remarkable. His courage, integrity, and grit will always be remembered and will continue to inspire them as they carry forward his memory with love.
Services will be held at Byrum Funeral Home in Lancaster. Visitation is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8th, and a celebration of Ed's life will take place the following day, January 9th, at 10:00 a.m.
www.byrumfuneralhome.com
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Kevin Whelan
April 29, 2025
So sad to find out today that my friend Ed Gatlin passed away. I was talking to a St Rita coach who I played golf with today and I said " did you know Ed Gatlin " because I knew Ed was a behind the scenes basketball man. He said yes and sorry to tell you that I think he passed away. I suddenly realized that today was Ed´s birthday as we share in April birthday´s and we were born in the same year. I called Ed " run and gun" because of his basketball prowess and his ability to keep cabinet meetings quick and tidy. I saw Ed last fall at the entryway at Cooper Clinic and knew he was battling something but I told him to stay strong which I know he did. If you don´t believe in God then no need to read the rest of my story. As I approached the first tee today and thinking about Ed a butterfly landed on my golf shoes and hung out for a couple minutes. I instantly knew that Ed was with me and I could almost hear him say " Kevin, go out and have fun with your friends today, enjoy your retirement, play as well as you can, but most of all I´ll be watching" needless to say I had a lot of fun, enjoyed the company, and enjoyed being out with Run and Gun watching!! We shared love for the Saints, both liked sushi, shared jokes, did a lot of cabinets together and I got to know his family. Condolences to Lisa, Tyler, and Shelbi. Rest in peace Run and Gun and we will meet again someday I´m sure. I´ll continue to think about you and will always celebrate April 29th as Ed Gatlin Day and hopefully always play golf that day !!
Kevin Whelan
Justin Wagner
January 15, 2025
I'll miss ya +6.
Jonathan & Yoonyoung
January 10, 2025
Dear Gatlins,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. It was our privilege to have met Ed during Tyler and Ami´s wedding in Korea. It was clear how warm and kind-hearted your family is-surely a reflection of the gentleman that Ed was.
Our heartfelt prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May God bring you comfort and peace as you remember and honor his life and legacy.
With deepest sympathy from Singapore,
Love,
Jonathan and Yoonyoung
Jeanette and Michael Abi-Assaf
January 7, 2025
Our dearest Ed,
There are no words to express the sorrow Michael and I are feeling since your loss. We fell in love with you and Lisa from the moment we saw you. What a great addition to our family. We will never forget the meaningful words you said when you toasted your cheers to our children, Shelbi and Anthony, at their wedding. You said: "Shelbi and Anthony have a solid ground to start building their lives together", referring to the solid marriage from both parents´ side. The looks of love you and Lisa shared was palpable and almost contagious. Rest in peace our friend, knowing that your beloved Shelbi is in good hands. She will forever be our baby girl, this is our promise to you!
Our dearest Lisa, you have a new angel in heaven looking down on you and guiding you along the way. He is also carrying your love in his heart. For love is the only thing you take with you from this earth. How lucky are we to have found this love?
Paden, Tyler and Shelbi, losing a parent is like a dove losing one of its wing. This dove will have to lean on another dove from its flock to be able to fly. But eventually, it will learn how to fly on its own. A family coming together to lean on each other is what keeps Ed´s legacy of journey, love, devotion, respect and faith, for he lives through you. This leagcy is what you will carry on going forward.
Fly high our friend, for heaven is waiting for our new angel. I heard a good cigar and the finest bottle of bourbon is served at initiation.
By the way, you still owe my mom a dance!
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Dominic Woo
January 6, 2025
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Ed. Please accept my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences during this profoundly difficult time.
I will always treasure the warm memories of meeting Ed at Tyler and Ami's wedding in Kyoto, Japan. It was truly beautiful celebration. I also fondly recall meeting you again in Korea for the wedding there. Both occasions reflected the deep love and pride Ed held for his family. His kind smile and genuine warmth left a lasting impression on me. and I will always remember him fondly.
My parents were also deeply saddened to hear the news. They too, share in your grief and send their heartfelt condolences to his family.
May the Gatlin family find comfort in the cherished memories shared with him and in the love and support of his family and friend. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy.
Dominic Woo.
Nicole &pierre abi assaf
January 6, 2025
We're very sorry shelly for your loss...and may his soul rest in peace
Stephanie Sleilati Khalil
January 6, 2025
We are so sorry to hear about Shelby´s father. Shelby is a dear member of our family. She is not only the wife of my cousin, but also a sweet and kind heart. Since the moment we met her, we instantly clicked. Her kindness, her beautiful smile and her love for the family was something so noticeable. It must be a great testimony to the man that raised her. Though we don´t know Shelby´s father, Edward, but we are sure that he is reflected in all his children. He must be a great man to have raised such a wonderful young woman like Shelby. May his soul rest in peace. We pray for him and his family. May you rest assured he is with Jesus now. God bless.
All the love and sincerest condolences,
Stephanie and Thierry Khalil.
Joseph Abi Assaf
January 6, 2025
Our hearts go out to you during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort in the cherished memories of our beloved Edward.
With deepest sympathy,
Joseph Abi Assaf
Jieun LIM
January 5, 2025
Sending my heartfelt condolences from Korea. Mr. Ed Gatlin, may you rest in peace. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time
Ami Woo Gatlin
January 5, 2025
I often see Ed in Tyler-his sincerity, love for his family, his passion for what he does and his resilience. I am so grateful to Ed for always setting a good example of what it means to be a family man. I truly feel that I've come to love Tyler even more after meeting him.
I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Ed better with every chance we spent time together. Each meeting with him was special. So many wonderful memories come to mind- whether in Japan, Korea, or the hot summer days in Oakwood over the past few years.
I always looked forward to the next meeting with him for another family time. The greatest joy for Tyler and me was to do well and make him a proud dad, no matter where we were.
And anyone could see, at a glance, how deeply he loved Lisa. And he still does.
Ed and Lisa are the true love story I´ve had the privilege to witness.
I will cherish all the great memories with him and please watch over us from there.
We all miss you.
Thank you for everything, Pops.
-Ami
YG and Heeja
January 5, 2025
We pray for the soul of Ed, mourning the sorrow of Lisa and the pain f
by all of his family. We will remember him as the proud father of three children and the happiest man in the world, blessed with a beautiful wife.
Dominic Woo
January 5, 2025
It is Great sadness that I learned of the Passing of Ed. Please accept my deepest Sympathies and heartfelt condolences during this Profoundly difficult time.
I will always treasure the warm memories of meeting Ed at Tyler and Ami's Wedding in Kyoto, Japan. It was truly beautiful Celebration. I also fondly recall meeting you again in Korea for the wedding there. Both occasions reflected the deep love and pride Ed held for his family. His kind Smile and Genuine warmth left a lasting impression on me. and I will always remember him fondly.
My parents were also deeply saddened to hear the news. They too, share in your grief and send their heartfelt Condolences to his family.
May the Gatlin family find Comfort in the cherished memories shared with him and in the love and Support of his family and friend. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
with deepest sympathy.
Dominic Woo
Dennis Kim
January 5, 2025
I did not have a chance to meet Ed, but he certainly leaves behind an absolute well raised son Tyler with us as part of his legacy. Just want to share my gratitude and thanks with Ed for all of the things he has done for his loving family and people around him. We share our deepest condolences with the Gatlin family.
Blanche Abi Assaf
January 5, 2025
"Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow."
Louisa & Blanche Abi Assaf
Nancy Abi assaf
January 5, 2025
My deepest condolences for the passing of your Dad, his love, strength and kindness will always on through you and the beautiful memories you shared..
Tony Abi Assaf
January 5, 2025
I am really sorry for your loss, may his soul rest in heavenly peace.
Edward abi assaf
January 5, 2025
My deepest condolences Edward abi assaf 5868228221
Tannous Abi Assaf
January 5, 2025
My prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in the love and support that surrounds you. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Darrell Arthur
January 4, 2025
Mr Ed Gatlin took me to my first NBA game. He was a great dude. If it wasn´t for him, I would not have made it to the NBA. Before I started playing with Team Texas I never dreamed of playing in the NBA. Him taking me to that game changed my life forever. Rest in Paradise Mr Ed and thank you for everything.
Darrell Arthur
rodney johnson
January 4, 2025
My prayers go out to the family. Thank you Lisa and Tyler for sharing a great man with us. Bless you and the entire family. Psalm 121. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Ed at his spot "The Garden" . Lasting memories of great fellowship. Love always Coach Black. I almost went to work for Ed.
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