Wayne County Press
Fairfield IL.
Thursday, Dec. 25, 1983
Page 2

William Alfred "Bill" Gaston, 81, long-time Goldengate resident who was well-known in the Fairfield area, died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack at 2 a.m. Wednesday. Dec. 14, 1983, at his home in Goldengate.

Mr. Gaston suffered a stroke three years ago and was forced to retire. He was well-known in this area as a commercial fisherman and hunter. He also farmed for many years near Goldengate.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Nale's Funeral Home, with Rev. James Steinsultz officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be conducted from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mr. Gaston was born in Toledo Jan. 30, 1902, the son of Isaac and Margaret (Jackson) Gaston.  He was married to the former Fern Wylie In Clinton in September of 1925. The Gastons celebrated 58 years of marriage this year. The family moved to the Goldengate area in 1929 and have lived in Goldengate for 42 years.

Mr. Gaston was formerly active in several areas of employment. Before retiring, he worked for the Southern Railroad during the day and farmed at night. At one time, he worked in the oilfields as a pumper. For many years, he kept the Fairfield area, supplied in fish and sold his catch.

He was a member of the Goldengate United Methodist Church and a former member of the Goldengate Ruritan Club.

Surviving are his wife, Fern Gaston. of Goldengate, three daughters, Mrs. E. J (Genevieve) Sanders, of lcajon, Calif., Mrs. Ray (Charlene) Meserole, of Albion and Mrs. Eldon (Willene) Paui, of Wright City, Mo. one sister, Mrs. Merna Boswell, of McClain; five brothers, Vernon, of Missouri; Lyle, of St. Louis, Mo. John. of Leroy; Warren, of Albion; and Ivan, of Arcola 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are four brothers and one sister.