Robert C. Gaston

Robert Carl Gaston of Battle Creek passed away at the age of 62 on May 3rd, 2023 at Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo. Robert was born on February 18th, 1961 in Abilene, Kansas to Robert Berkley Gaston and Carletta Jo (Shaw). He lost his father tragically at a young age and moved to Michigan after his mother’s remarriage to Harold Zelenka. As a young man, Rob thrived in shop class and Future Farmers of America, evincing an enduring love for craftsmanship and country life. His love for building would become the foundation for his career, most of which was with the Cook-Jackson Company. Rob was proud to be a member of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Union Local 525, which he served for 34 years. A loving husband, beloved father, and adored grandfather, Rob was passionately devoted to his family. He always remembered his sister, Stacey, whom he lost in October 1978. He is survived by his wife, Dawn (Brown); their daughters, Allyson (Mark) Szymanski and Bethany (Jei) Thorpe; grandchildren, Coral and Robert Velasco-García and Violet Gaston Szymanski; son-in-law, Antonio Velasco-García; cousins, Roger (Carol) Lear, Donna Ferrier, Cynthia (Bud) Sheraden and their son Jason; and Susie (Doug) Stowell and their sons, Jeffrey and Kevin. He also leaves many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews on Dawn’s side, with whom he found great joy that sustained him to the very end.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Memorial service scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Monday, May 8, 2023 at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions in memory of Robert may be made to MSCMJATF, Attn: Todd Sandy, 6525 Centurion Drive, Lansing, MI.  48917.  Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org