Michael Gatson

In Loving Memory of Michael "Mike" Gatson Michael Landon Gatson, age 59, passed away at his home in Choctaw, OK on January 9, 2026. He was born on August 18, 1966, in Dallas, Texas, and lived a life defined by passion, connection, and an unwavering love for his family.
Mike attended high school in Marshall, Texas, where his love for sports began to take shape. He went on to play basketball at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell OK, earning a degree in recreation management-a path that perfectly matched his lifelong enthusiasm for athletics and competition. Above all else, Michael valued his family beyond measure. He met the love of his life, Jamie Nicole Stavig in Guymon, OK. They were married July of 2005 in Guthrie OK, and together, they built a life centered on love and devotion while raising their daughter, McKenna Rae, and son, Landon Malik. There is no question his kids were his greatest pride and joy.
A true sports fanatic, Coach Mike, never missed an opportunity to compete, whether on the court, the field, or from the sidelines. His love of sports extended far beyond himself; he devoted countless hours to coaching local youth, beginning when his own children were just old enough to pick up a ball. Through coaching, he taught not only the fundamentals of the game, but also teamwork, confidence, and perseverance.
With an outgoing and magnetic personality, Mike never knew a stranger. He could often be found striking up conversations with "new friends," especially if he had wandered off from where he was supposed to be. His warmth, humor, and ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Michael was preceded in death by his father; Leo Gatson, mother; Dorthier Allen Gatson, and brothers; Jerry, Wilford, and Darrell (Dudlo). He is survived by his beloved wife, Jamie, daughter McKenna; son Landon; and siblings; George, Patsy (Gregory) Parrish, Leo Jr (Zassar), Benjamin, Wilma (Ron) Hill, Byron (Joyce), Evelyn, Tequice Gray, mother in law Judi Stavig, father in law Doug (Roxanne) Stavig, sisters in law Helen Gatson, Jennifer (Theron) Landes, Brittany (Jesse) Guerra, brothers in law Ryan (Jessica) Stavig, Randy (Maggi) Stavig and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Mike's legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the young athletes he coached, and the deep love he gave to his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026 6:00 pm -8:00 pm at Barnes-Friederich & Pope Funeral Home in Midwest City, OK. Services will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Barnes-Friederich & Pope Funeral Home Chapel in Midwest City, Ok.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local youth sports organization.