John C. Gaston

John C. Gaston, 99, of Chillicothe passed 9:07 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born July 29, 1926 in Seaman, Ohio to the late Max and Nellie Harsha Gaston. On August 16, 1957, he married Martha Brundige who preceded him on June 30, 2025.

Surviving are a daughter, Joan G. (Doug) Manchester, of Chillicothe; sons, John B. (Sue) Gaston, of Pawleys Island, SC and Jim Gaston, of California, MD; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Corey) Hayden and Max (Julie) Gaston; great grandchildren, Paxton, Reed, Callie and Sawyer Hayden; several nephews and nieces and several extended family members. He was predeceased by sister, Katie Lee Wakeford and a treasured daughter-in-law, Christin Gaston.

John was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a 1944 graduate of West Union High School and Denison University where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. John served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he was an airplane mechanic. He was a member of American Legion Post 757 and life member of BPOE Elks Lodge 52. John was part owner of the former Max Gaston Motors and had also had a career in Alcohol Counseling rising to the Director of Southern Ohio Regional Council on Alcoholism at the end of his career. He volunteered at the Adena Regional Medical Center for many years.

John enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Chillicothe Country Club for over 70 years. He was also an avid OSU Football fan and held season tickets for over 60 years. John was a skilled handyman and was always willing to help out.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Seidensticker, the doctors and nurses of Adena Hospice and his daily caregivers, Sarilda Adkins, Gwen Brodess, Kelly Garner, Mackenzie Rinehart, Stannay Smith, Courtney Frey, Rachel Strange, Mistee Lemaster and Andrea Walters for making his last few months more comfortable.

A celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026 at the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Rev. Dr. Jason T. Link officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church 13 Meade Drive Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

You may sign his online register at warefh.com