Reginald D. Gaston

Reginald D. Gaston, 65, of Norman, Oklahoma, died peacefully at home, Tuesday, February 2, 2010, following a long illness and surrounded by his family. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 5, 2010, at St. John's Episcopal Church with Reverend Dwight Helt officiating. Arrangements are with Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman, Oklahoma.Mr. Gaston was born July 20, 1944, in Plainview, Hale County, Texas, to Edgar Joseph Gaston and Ruby Lois Waggoner Gaston. He graduated from Lawton High School in 1962. He graduated from Cameron State University in Lawton with an Associate Arts Degree in 1966. He then received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma in 1969, and a Juris Doctor Degree in Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1972. He continued his legal education taking a Career Prosecutor course in 1974 and an Executive Prosecutor course in 1976, from the National College of District Attorneys.Mr. Gaston began his legal career as an intern in the Cleveland County District Attorney's office, and was First Assistant District Attorney in January of 1979 when he began his private law practice. He returned to the District Attorney's office as a Civil Assistant in 1984, and worked there until February 19, 1993, when he was sworn in as a Special District Judge in Cleveland County. Judge Gaston retired from that position February 27, 2009. He was a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association. He served as Director of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association from 1977 to 1978.Mr. Gaston was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church where he was a Chalicer, Layreader, and had served on the Vestry. He also completed a four year course in the study of the History of the Bible, History of Christianity and Modern Christian philosophies from the University of the South, Suwanee, Tennessee.Mr. Gaston married Virginia "Jenny" Lynn Nichols on April 29, 1978. He always managed to take time from his career and spend valuable time with his family. He enjoyed a number of hobbies and interests including fishing, gardening, cooking, carpentry and bicycling. Mr. Gaston also took time to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1969 to 1972, achieving the rank of Captain.Mr. Gaston was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Jenny; daughters, Sara Harris and husband, Daniel, and Gina Gaston; granddaughter, Avery Hope Harris; siblings, Joseph Gaston and wife, Carol, Betty Chidester and husband, Bud, Don Gaston and wife, Linda, and Barbara Cook and husband, Doyle; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends and colleagues.In lieu of flowers, Mr. Gaston has requested that contributions be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 235 W. Duffy St., Norman, OK 73069.Send condolences online at http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/Obituaries.htmSubmitted by family