Elver D Gaston

ELVER D. GASTON, age 91, of Eaton, OH died Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at Heartland of Eaton in Eaton, OH. Born on September 6, 1923 in Fairbanks, IN, son of the late Lynn & Joy (Drake) Gaston. Elver graduated in 1942 from Sullivan High School in Sullivan, IN, where he was a member of the Boys Varsity Track and Basketball Teams. On August 22, 1946 he married his beautiful, devoted, high school sweetheart and lifetime companion, Gloria Elaine Carrico of Dugger, IN. He proudly served in the USAF during WWII as an Aircraft Sheet Metal Repair Technician while stationed in India & Burma from 1943-45. Upon his return, he enrolled at Indiana State University on the GI Bill, completing his Education Degree in 1949. After teaching at Keithsburg, IL, Hollansburg, OH, Carlisle, OH and Monroe, OH, he taught his final 25 years in the Dayton Public School System before retiring in 1978. Elver then added another 2 years of Teaching & Coaching at Springfield Catholic Central High School in Springfield, OH.

The former Head Track Mentor built perennial powerhouse programs at Patterson Co-Op, Roth and Meadowdale High Schools during the 60's & 70's. Best known for his gutsy, no excuses style of coaching, demanding punctuality, absolute commitment and a willingness to work your hardest. Often training alongside his athletes for motivational support during what many would attest to as their most grueling workouts-chanting, "If this old man can do it, so can you"! His reputation for a "tough as nails" winning attitude, coupled with his desire to assist his runner's in achieving their highest imaginary academic and athletic goals, soon became his most acclaimed attribute. Incessantly urging his kids to represent their School with Pride and Dignity in addition to Good Sportsmanship. Elver would never hesitate to buy a less fortunate kid a pair of shoes, a nutritional breakfast or drop them off at home when they had no ride. His credo of rewarding hard work with kindness proved to have a huge lifelong impact on many of his former athletes who still appreciate and admire him today.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Gloria Gaston in 2008; sister, Virginia Joy Jones in 2008; brother, Decil Gaston in 2013.

Survived by his children & spouses, Cheri Gaston of Eaton, OH, Janis & Cory Stophlet of Smyrna, TN, Duane Gaston of Nicholasville, KY, Sheila Gaston of Elizabeth, CO, Doug & Lana Gaston of Yellow Springs, OH and Darryl Gaston of Eaton, OH; granddaughter: Stacy Gaston of Xenia, Ohio. Three great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Private Services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. Interment will be held at Royal Oak Memorial Gardens in Brookville, OH. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home – Eaton, OH. Condolences via www.barnesfuneralhome.com