Another World War II Veteran has passed. Bob Gaston departed this world on January 16, 2019, just a few days short of his 93rd birthday.Robert “Bob” Gaston was born February 8, 1926 in Winters, Runnels County, Texas. His father died when he was 3 and his mother died when he was 15. At 16 he enrolled at Texas Technological College where he was selected as Drum Major of the band. At 17 he voluntarily enlisted with the U.S. Navy wherein he was assigned to serve upon the aircraft carrier USS Wasp.After World War II, he returned to Texas Tech, and graduated in 1947. After graduation he worked two years and enrolled in law school. In 1952, he accepted employment as a landman working for Stanolind, and its successors, Pan American and Amoco, until his retirement in 1984.He met his wife, Anne Crenshaw, when they both sang in the church choir at First Presbyterian Church of Lubbock. Anne passed in 2000. They have four children, daughter, Julie Gaston Rowan, and husband Roy, of Rockwall, Texas; and sons, Robert W. Gaston, Jr. of Prattville, Alabama and his wife, Barbara; W. Clayton Gaston, of Midland, Texas and his wife, Robin; and Lonnie Gaston, of Midland, Texas, who preceded his father in death. They also have 10 grandchildren, Elinor and Vance Rowan, Sarah Gaston Carroll and Garrett Gaston, Charles and Edwin Gaston, and Bryce, Shawn, Cody and Stuart Gaston, many of whom were able to attend college due to their “Big Dad’s” generosity. Further, Big Dad leaves behind 4 great-grandchildren Jasper and Wylder Carroll and Adam and Anne-Marie Gaston.A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Midland at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the First Presbyterian Deacon Fund.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
