Jackie Earl Gattis known to his family and friends as “Jack” was born February 12, 1961, in Hornersville, MO, to Shirley and Leland Gattis. He departed this life on August 27, 2026, in Jonesboro, AR, surrounded by his loved ones.

There are a lot of words that could be used to describe Jack, but perhaps the simplest and truest is this: He was a great man!

He was hardworking, kind-hearted, generous, and always ready to make someone laugh. He spent his life working on the farm, never afraid of a long day or a little dirt. Hard work wasn’t just something he did; it was simply who he was. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back and never think twice about it. He also loved his St. Louis Cardinals. If the Cardinals were playing, you could pretty much guarantee he was watching or listening on the radio. He rarely, if ever, missed a game. Cheering on his Cardinals was one of the simple things in life that brought him so much joy.

But as much as he loved the farm and his Cardinals, nothing compared to the love he had for his family, and then his only granddaughter, Emma, came along. From that moment on, his world revolved around her. Emma was his heart and soul, his pride and joy, and there was nothing he loved more than being her BawBaw. He never missed anything she did. No matter where she was going or what she was doing, if Emma was there, you could count on him being there too. Watching her, supporting her, and beaming with pride. The bond they shared was something truly special. She knew without a doubt that her BawBaw was always in her corner and that there was nothing in this world he wouldn’t have done for her. The love he had for Emma was immeasurable, and the love she has for him will carry on for the rest of her life.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories: days spent on the farm, Cardinals games, laughter, stories, and countless moments with the people he loved most. Those who knew him will remember his sense of humor, his work ethic, his giving heart, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. He didn’t need fancy things or recognition to make his life meaningful. He worked hard, loved his family, and made people laugh. He helped others anytime they needed it. But he loved his granddaughter with every piece of his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Shirley Gattis, and his sister, Regina Ann Mauricio.

He leaves behind his best friend and son, Josh Gattis, and his wife, Laranda, who was Jack's favorite nurse, of Kennett. The first girl his world revolved around was his daughter, Rachel Busch, and her husband, Anthony, whom Jack thought the world of and probably considered the only guy good enough for his daughter, of Kennett. The light of his life, his granddaughter, Emma Busch of Kennett.

His siblings Lee Gattis and wife Debbie of Perryville, MO, Rhanda Gattis of Kennett, MO, Stefanie Rundquist and husband Sean of Jackson, MO, his nephews Anthony Mauricio and wife Hailey, and Robert Gattis.

At the end of the day, that is a life well lived. He was a farmer.

He was a Cardinals fan.

He was a friend.

He was a Dad.

He was a BawBaw.

He was, without a doubt, a dang good man.

He will be loved, remembered, and missed more than words could ever say.

Visitation will be Saturday August 29, 2026 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., with services following at 1:00 P.M. with Chad Howard Officiating. Burial will follow in Horner Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers: Robert Gattis, Anthony Mauricio, T.J. Chandler, Matthew Chandler, Mike Jones, Jarred Keating, D.J. Thompson, and Lanny Broglin. 

Honorary pallbearers: Josh Cutter, Tony Bush, Lee Gattis, Jim Pender, Emma Bush, and Miranda Gattis.