Freddie Lewis Gaston

Freddie Lewis Gaston, on October 2, 2006 of Washington, DC. Just as the fall leaves had begun to shed on early Monday morning October 2, 2006, God sent His angel to Holy Cross Hospital to claim one of His own. Freddie Lewis Gaston, upon seeing the angel, responded, ?I am now ready to be offered...I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith? II Timothy 4:6-7. Fred was born June 9, 1936 in Newberry, S.C. to the late Virginia Gilliam Atkins and John Atkins. He moved to Washington, DC at an early age to live with his grandmother, the late Bessie Gilliam Gaston. He accepted Christ at an early age, and along with his grandparents, became a member of Vermont Avenue Baptist Church. In his later years, he often visited Mt. Horeb Baptist Church with his family. Fred was an athletic child and he continued his love for sports throughout his lifetime. He received his formal education in the District of Columbia Public Schools and graduated from Cardozo High School in 1954, where he was a basketball star. His basketball coach, Mr. Frank Bolden, would become his lifelong friend. His basketball prowess served him well and he was awarded a full basketball scholarship to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, from which he graduated in 1959. While at UAPB, he became a lifetime member pf Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and remained an active member of the Washington, DC Chapter. Fred also had a special love for basketball, swimming, golf and fishing. Soon after receiving his degree, Fred was called to serve his country. He was drafted on October 28, 1960 into the United States Army. Fred served two years before being honorably discharged on October 16, 1962. While working for the DC Department of Recreation, Fred met the love of his life, Maureen E. Hall, whom he married on October 5, 1963. They lived in Washington, DC during their forty-three years of marriage. This union was blessed with three children, Sean, Leslie and Keith. Fred spent over forty years working in the area of recreation, where he mentored young men and women throughout the Washington area. Many young lives have been enriched because he passed their way. He retired as a Recreation Specialist Coordinator for the DC Department of Recreation in September 2001. Following his retirement, he spent most of his time playing golf, playing with his grandchildren and traveling. On September 16, 2005 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Fred was given the distinct honor of being inducted into the AM&N/UAPB Sports Hall of Fame for the many contributions to the athletic program and his many lifetime accomplishments. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Maureen; two sons, Sean and Keith Gaston; one daughter, Leslie Gaston Chapman Roderick; four grandchildren, Raichella, Roderick Jr., Kendra and Jerrell. He also leaves one aunt, Gertrude Sims, two devoted cousins, Mattie James and Verdell Saunders; three sisters-in-law, Lillian White, Patricia Boddie Fred and Yvonne Bethea John; three brothers-in-law, Oscar Hall Daisy, Cleveland Hall Linda and J. C. Hall Oneta and several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and dear friends to cherish his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Freddie Gaston to University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 1200 N. University, Mail Slot 4946, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601. To send condolences or a lasting tribute to the Gaston family, please sign the online guestbook below. Click "Sign Guestbook."

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Freddie Lewis Gaston

June 9, 1936 - October 2, 2006