Marshall A. Gaston, 87, of Swamp Road in West Stockbridge died peacefully on Saturday May 2, 2015 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on April 10, 1928, son of Marshall E. and Edith A. (Campbell) Gaston.
Marshall was a 1946 graduate of the former Williams High School, where he was a member of the championship winning basketball team, 4-H and Future Farmers of America, the drama club and was president of the student council. He received a Bay State farm degree from FFA. He was a member of the Congregational Church of West Stockbridge, a Boy Scout and served as gatekeeper for the Berkshire South Pomona Grange. After high school Marshall proudly served his country as a Military Police Officer with the U.S. Army in WWII in Japan.
After his service Marshall worked at various jobs until going into business for himself as a site contractor where he successfully operated Excavators and Graders Co. Inc for more than fifty years. Marshall was an avid sportsman, enjoyed going to Super Bowls and the Daytona 500. He was a life member of the Stockbridge Sportsman’s Club and a member and former president of the West Stockbridge Sportsman’s Club.
As a longtime resident of West Stockbridge he served his community as a lieutenant in the West Stockbridge Fire Department, a Special Police Officer, a Forest Warden and Animal Inspector.
Marshall’s wife, Lois Anne (Bradshaw) Gaston whom he married on January 7, 1950, predeceased him on July 21, 2011. Marshall is survived by two sons, Marshall E. Gaston and his wife Kristin of Manchester, Conn., and James A. Gaston and his wife Anne of S. Windsor, Conn.; one daughter, Liana Roberts and her husband Dale of Copake, N.Y., one brother, Gilbert Gaston of Yarmouth, Maine, and seven grandchildren, Joshua, Jeff, Courtney, Dave, Danelle, Jackie and Kyle. In addition to his wife Lois, Marshall was predeceased by his sister, Jean Chapman.
Funeral Services for Marshall A. Gaston will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230 with Reverend Kenneth S. Phesay officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in West Stockbridge Village Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Tuesday May 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in Marshall’s memory may be made to the West Stockbridge Fire Company or Richmond Volunteer Ambulance Service in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
