Roger Wayne Gaston 1945-2014

GASTON, PATTERSON, WEBB, MERRITT, RICHMOND, LARSON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/21/2014 at 14:48:15

Roger Wayne Gaston, 68, of rural Clark County, MOissouri, died July 9, 2014 at his home. He was born December 7, 1945 at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Fort Madison to Thad E. and Frances McNulty Gaston. He was a 1963 graduate of Rever C-3 High School in Missouri.

In 1964, he married Linda Sue Patterson and to this marriage a daughter, Laura was born. He married Judith Webb Merritt September 30, 1990, in Cheyenne, WY, where they lived for a year before returning to the Gaston family farm in Clark County, MO, where they have since resided. Roger was the fourth generation to occupy the farm since it was established by his great-grandfather.

He graduated from Southeastern Community College, Keokuk where he earned an Associated of Arts degree; Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science; and Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in American History. In addition to farming with his wife, Judith, he taught for Culver-Stockton College; the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY; and Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa. He was a licensed commercial pilot with single and multi-engine rating, instrument rating, and instructor’s rating; flying for Linder Aviation, Keokuk.

He was a firm believer in the Lord and a member of Anson Community Church, Missouri. Roger was currently Worshipful Master of Keosauqua Lodge No. 10, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Keosauqua, a member of Celestial Lodge No. 413 A.F. & A.M., in Douds and life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

He played trumpet with McNamara’s Band, Keokuk, Ottumwa Municipal Band, Fairfield Municipal Band and the Tarnished Brass in Keosauqua. He considered it an honor and a privilege to provide “Taps” at military funerals for Herman Blum Post 192, American Legion, Kahoka, MO, of which he was a honorary member.

Roger was an avid outdoorsman and rifleman. He enjoyed deer hunting and target shooting and was a contributing author to the Single Shot Exchange Magazine. In accordance with their love of history, Roger and Judith have done 1870s Indian wars reenacting at Old Fort Laramie, WY, and War of 1812 reenacting at Old Fort Madison, IA.

Surviving are his wife, Judith, a daughter, Laura Beth Richmond and husband Shawn of Fairfield, IA, grandchildren, Keagan Richmond and wife Erin, Brianna Richmond and fiancé Gareth Larson and Bowen Richmond, a great-granddaughter, Evelyn Rose Larson and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at Anson Community Church, Anson, MO, with Pastor Tom Schulz officiating. Burial of cremains will be in Christy Cemetery near the family farm in Clark County, Missouri.

Source: Van Buren County Register; 17 July 2014; pg. A4