Vyrel “Sonny” Gatlin

       The sweetest and most joyful cowboy passed away in the early hours of May 3rd, 2024 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. He may not have been a “real” cowboy, but he was to those who loved him. Vyrel “Sonny” Gatlin was born on November 2, 1951 in Paola, KS  to Daniel and Mary Gatlin. He is survived by his guardian and longtime friend Katina Lonergan, his teaching family – Eric, Kari, Aiden, Maisy and Grayson Mack and his housemate, Mike Young.

   Sonny loved all things Western and was a cowboy at heart. To know him was to love him. He never knew a stranger. He shook hands with everyone he met and not just once or twice. He would shake your hands until the cows came home if you let him. He once shook a staff person’s hand 47 times before she found out that she was supposed to say hello and shake his hand only one time before redirecting. He loved a crowd because there were so many new friends to make. He was a man of few words but his Hi Darlin’ and wave would melt your heart.   

    Sonny was a collector of many things – cowboy hats, western movies, flannel shirts, sunglasses, and little trinkets he’d find around the house to hide in his dresser drawer. If something was missing Sonny’s drawer was often the first place to look. It was filled with superhero figures and toys he swiped from the playroom. Magazines were never safe around him. He liked to tear pictures out and show them to you, especially foods like burgers, pizza, coffee, soda, and sometimes the occasional blond beauty. 

     In his earlier years, Sonny was part of a recycling crew at Community Living Opportunities (now called GoodLife Innovations.) He would stop by Kari’s cubicle and give her letters he’d written. They were just pieces of notebook paper with waves scribbled on them, but he instantly had her heart from then on.     Sonny moved into the Mack home in June of 2012 and was a constant source of joy in their lives. Even during his recent years when he had significant health issues he still had a smile on his face. He didn’t let anything stand between him and a good handshake. 

    Those who were close to Sonny knew he was super sneaky and stealthy. He could be looking you straight in the eyes with a big smile on his face while simultaneously taking a cookie from your plate even after he’d had his fill of goodies. He also liked to sit in his recliner and stick his foot out to make you trip while walking by. His sweet and his ornery side were both loved.

     He enjoyed watching westerns and game shows with his housemate Mike. He had his “finger guns” and shooting noises.

 Sonny enjoyed going to church even if he’d often fall asleep during the sermon. He was the loudest yawner there ever was, but he was awake to greet people and to say goodbye to them. That’s what mattered most to him.

He was truly a blessing in the lives of everyone who knew him. Imagine the joy on his face when he was welcomed into Heaven. There is a cowboy-sized hole in the hearts of those who loved him most. 

     A memorial service and luncheon will be held at Midnight Farm at 12:00pm on May 11, 2024

2084 N 600 Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006

Happy trails to you,

Until we meet again.

Happy trails to you,

Keep smiling until then.