Rev. Oscar Gatson

On June 14, 1950, a precious baby boy was born to Enoch and Hartense Gatson in
Buckner’s Prairie, Texas. Oscar Gatson was welcomed into the world with love, and from
his earliest days, it was clear that he was destined to make a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Oscar’s walk with God began early. At the tender age of six, he accepted Jesus
Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at First Berean Baptist Church
in Cedar Lane, Texas. From the age of six through eighteen, he served faithfully as a Junior Deacon, laying the spiritual foundation that would guide him throughout his life.
Oscar received his early education in Van Vleck, Texas, graduating from O. H.
Herman High School in 1968. Driven by ambition and a desire to build a purposeful life,
he went on to attend a Technical College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon completion of his
studies, Oscar set his sights on Galveston, Texas, where he would plant roots and build a
legacy.

In Galveston, Oscar secured his first position as a welder at Todd’s Shipyard. Not
long after, he went to Union Carbide, now known as Dow Chemical, where he dedicated
over 35 years of his professional life. Through hard work and discipline, he later retired
as an Operator/Supervisor.

Oscar and Leah always strived for more and together became entrepreneurs. From
the comfort of their home, they cultivated a love for Black art and culture, selling Black
figurines and artwork to their community. Their entrepreneurial spirit continued to grow,
and eventually the two opened a clothing store in La Marque called “Reflections of Us” —
a business that was a true reflection of their shared vision, creativity, and pride.
In 1970, Oscar joined First Union Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas, where his brother, aunt, and uncle were members. It was within those walls that he and the love of his life were united in holy matrimony. Over more than 30 years of devoted membership at First Union, Oscar used his God-given gift of song as a member of the Celestial Chorus and the Unionaires. He was later ordained as a Deacon, serving faithfully on the Deacon Board as well as a Sunday School teacher. In an act of beautiful spiritual legacy, Oscar saw all of his children baptized at First Union Baptist Church. Oscar knew at an early age he had a special calling on his life, and in December 2002 he announced his calling to preach the Gospel. In February 2003, Rev. Oscar Gatson preached his first sermon. In June 2006, he was ordained as a Minister. Oscar and Leah joined New Vision Church in Dickinson, Texas, where he served in leadership over the Sunday School under the direction of Pastor Clint Yancy Sr. While serving in that leadership capacity, Oscar was called to serve as Pastor of White Oak Baptist Church in Brazoria, Texas from 2015 to 2018.

On a day that would change his life forever, Oscar met Leah Marie, and he knew
she was the one. The two were married at First Union Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas
in 1971, and for 55 wonderful years, they remained inseparable partners in life, faith, and
love. Their union was a living testimony to commitment, grace, and the enduring power
of love.

To this beautiful union, God blessed Oscar and Leah with three children. In 1971,
twin boys Oscar Darrell Gatson (Ebony) and Otis Farrell Gatson (Keishia) arrived, filling
the Gatson home with double the joy. Six years later, their daughter Afra LaShawn Gatson completed their family. Oscar beamed with immeasurable pride as a father, and that pride only deepened as he became PaPa (paw-paw) to five grandchildren: Kevin Sanders, Cameron Gatson, Kobe Gatson, Keanan Gatson, and Catriona Gatson. His legacy continued to flourish through three precious great-grandchildren: twins Kobe and Kylar Gatson, and Kirsten Gatson.

Oscar was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan — a passion that ran deep and that he
proudly passed down to his sons. Whether watching from home or attending live games
to cheer on his beloved team, his excitement was contagious and his loyalty unwavering.

He also loved to travel, and many treasured memories were made on family trips to
Florida and California, as well as memorable cruises with his wife and loved ones.

A man of deep community conviction, Oscar believed strongly in giving back and
lifting others. He was a member of or supporter of many local organizations, including
the NAACP, the Galveston County Ministers Alliance, the La Marque High School Booster
Club, the La Marque High School Band, the La Marque Tigers Youth Football Club (where
he served as an Assistant Coach), and La Marque Youth Softball and Baseball (also as an Assistant Coach). Through these efforts, he poured himself into the next generation,
shaping young lives with the same dedication he gave to everything he loved.

On May 29, 2026, Oscar Gatson entered into his heavenly eternal rest, leaving
behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, and community service that will forever echo
in the hearts of those who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Enoch and Hartense Gatson; his
daughter, Afra LaShawn Gatson; and his sisters, Edna Polk (Henderson), Mary Lou,
Lottie, Ethyl Gladys, and Loretta Gatson and brother, Leonard Gatson (Alice).

Oscar is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 55 years, Leah Marie Gatson;
his sons, Oscar Darrell Gatson (Ebony) and Otis Farrell Gatson (Keishia); his five
grandchildren, Kevin Sanders, Cameron Gatson, Kobe Gatson, Keanan Gatson, and
Catriona Gatson; his three great-grandchildren, Kobe Gatson, Kylar Gatson, and Kirsten
Gatson; his surviving siblings, Debra Gatson, Enoch Gatson Jr. (Rita), JD Gatson, and
Moses Gatson (Venita); and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, church family,
and faithful friends.