Obituary of Douglas F. Gayton Santee

Douglas F. Gayton Santee, Sr. 94, of 650 Delaware Ave, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at his home, following a battle with cancer. Douglas was born Jan. 9, 1922 in Portville and was a son of Clarence and Alberta Wealthy Peterson Gayton. He was formerly married to Betty Clemons. Douglas graduated from Portville School in 1940. He served in the US Army, during World War II from July 17, 1942 to July 28, 1944. Douglas worked on the railroad, where he was a crane operator for a number of years. He joined the local Construction Union and worked for a number of local construction companies before going to work for L.C. Whitford in Wellsville, for 17 years until he retired in the mid 1990's. Douglas was a member of the Church of God and Christ. He was a volunteer firefighter for Humphrey Fire Department, where he served as past chief. Douglas enjoyed stock car racing and was a driver for many years at local raceways. He was an avid Bills fan, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and sports. Douglas is survived by four children, Jato Shorter of Phoenix, AZ, Eugene (Barb) Gayton of East Liverpool, OH, Douglas F. Gayton, Jr. of Allegany, and Jeffery Gayton of Phoenix, AZ; life companion of 30 years, Shirley Ginnery of Humphrey; 19 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and 17 great great grandchildren. Douglas was predeceased by two daughters, Mary and Chrystal Gayton in about 1948; and two brothers, Serell and Clayton Gayton Santee. Friends will be received in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., #646 E. State St., Olean, on Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 at which time a Memorial Service will be held. The Rev. Chuck Maine, Pastor of the Epic Church, will officiate. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.