Ben Ivan Gaston

Ben Ivan Gaston of Athens, a beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away Sunday, March 22, 2009, at Huntsville Hospital at age 72.A graveside service will be held at Decatur City Cemetery at 2 p.m. Wednesday with Dr. David Parker officiating. Visitation is from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ridout Funeral Home, 711 Memorial Drive, S.W., in Decatur.Mr. Gaston was born in Limestone County on Nov. 9, 1936. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from the Decatur Fire Department. He was also the owner of Gaston and Sons Furniture in Athens.Mr. Gaston was preceded in death by his parents, Grady Paul Gaston Sr. and Odilene C. Gaston; and one brother, Grady Paul Gaston Jr.Survivors include his wife, Edna Ruth Gaston; sons, Tony Gaston of Decatur, Greg L. Gaston and wife Camilla of Athens, Marty Gaston and wife Traci of Athens; grandsons, Nathan C. Gaston, Jackson Ivan Gaston and Benjamin Grey Gaston; two brothers, Jim Gaston of Meridianville, and Jack Gaston and wife Beverly of Athens; and one sister, Martha J. Austin of Athens.Pallbearers will be retired members of the Decatur Fire Department, Don Mills, Danny Little, Jerry Holt, Milton Lovvorn, David Tyler and Hal Dean Eddie. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Watson and Tony McAbee, both retired; Lance Millette, James Lott and Greg Taylor.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, 101 Sivley Road, Huntsville, AL 35801.