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2016 SESSION
16100015DWHEREAS, Ernest B. Gatten, Jr., who worked tirelessly to serve and support his fellow members of the Franklin community both as a trusted optometrist and as a dedicated volunteer, died on May 31, 2015; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from the University of Richmond, Ernest Gatten joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to his country during World War II; he enlisted with the United States Army Air Corps in 1942 and went on to fly 32 missions over Europe, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal; and
WHEREAS, Ernest Gatten returned from the war and completed his education at the Illinois College of Optometry, graduating in 1947; he relocated to Franklin shortly thereafter and practiced optometry until his well-earned retirement in 1991; and
WHEREAS, a recognized leader in his field, Ernest Gatten was a longtime member of the Virginia Optician’s Board and a former president of the Virginia Academy of Optometry and the Virginia Optometric Association; and
WHEREAS, in addition to caring for the health and comfort of his patients, Ernest Gatten was an active community leader in the Franklin area; he was a founding member of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and served on the first Franklin School Board and as a member of the Franklin Lions Club and Franklin Library Board; and
WHEREAS, Ernest Gatten enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a member of the Franklin Congregational Christian Church, where he served as chair of the deacon’s board; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Emily, Ernest Gatten will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Caroline, Ernest III, and Charles, and their families and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ernest B. Gatten, Jr., a respected optician and accomplished community leader in Franklin; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ernest B. Gatten, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.