Calvin Gaston

(From Lawson's Funeral Home)

Calvin McKinley Gaston, 79, Grove, OK., entered into eternal rest at 1:30p.m., on April 21, 2024 in Mangum, Oklahoma. Calvin Gaston was born on August 21, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri to Calvin Marks Gaston and Veldonah Bartley Smith.

 
Calvin enlisted in the United States Army in May 1963 and served through May 1969. He served as a wireman and received badges as a sharpshooter and safe driver. 

Following his military service, Calvin worked as an iron worker for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and recently received his 50 year pin. Calvin attended Northeastern Community College where he received his Associate of Applied Science degree and then continued on to graduate from NSU in Tahlequah, OK with his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1993. 

Following the completion of his education, he established his business Gaston Pump Service. He served the community for many years. Calvin was well known for his handlebar mustache and his many snake hunting stories. He loved to snake hunt and dedicated one month every year to traveling between multiple snake hunt events. Among his many interests, Calvin also loved to fish and camp. He always had a story to share and enjoyed a good cup of coffee and dessert while he shared. 

Calvin married Frances Arlene Martin Gaston on November 7, 1969. They were married for 51 years. They built a beautiful life together, with many years of joy, happiness, and wonderful memories shared. Calvin will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Calvin and Veldonah; his loving stepfather who raised him, Wayne Smith; loving wife Arlene Gaston; and three sisters, Donna Marie, Peggy, and Linda.

 
To carry on his memory, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Calvin and Angela Gaston of Grove, OK; his daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and John Martin of Tiff City, MO; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and close friends. Among his close friends is Sue Foreman, his close friend and companion for the last several years. They enjoyed many times together and loved to spend time antiquing together.

Calvin’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 4:00pm, Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services with Pastor Darwin King officiating. Calvin will be honored with Military and Masonic honors. Then after his service Calvin’s family will be greeting friends at the funeral home until 6:00pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 722 N. 46th St. Grove, OK 74344 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.