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Michael Don Gaston

1944 - 2020

Michael Don Gaston obituary, 1944-2020, Fort Worth, TX

Michael Gaston Obituary

Gaston
MICHAEL "MIKE" DON GASTON
May 26th, 1944
June 15th, 2020
Mike Gaston of Colorado Springs, devoted husband, father and friend passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020 after a lengthy cancer battle. He was born to M. D. and Louise Gaston in Oak Cliff, Texas long before it became a fashionable neighborhood of Dallas
He graduated from Sunset High School (Dallas) and earned a BBA in Economics from University of Texas at Arlington. He was a prolific businessman having founded six companies and serving in executive positions on three publicly owned NYSE companies.
Mike was an enthusiastic pilot who earned the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of flying. He flew over fifty aircraft types and was an airshow demonstration pilot. He flew charitable missions for wounded warriors under the Veterans Airlift Command. He was a member of Commemorative Air Force, Ancient Order of Quiet Birdmen and other aviation related organizations.
He served as a Board Member of the UTA School of Business. He was also on the board of the International Franchise Association, the National Association of Realtors, Fort Worth Aviation Heritage Association and a member of Colorado Thirty Group. He was a member of the Kissing Camels Golf Club and a former member for many years of Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth and Ridglea Country Club, Fort Worth.
Mike is survived by his wife, Susan Jacobson Gaston, brother, Larry (Brenda), 3 children, Lisa , Todd (Pam), Amy Sublette (Chris), twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded by both his parents and a daughter, Michelle.
He remained a passionate Texan, even though he occasionally lived elsewhere, despite his best efforts. He would remind everyone that a positive mental attitude does not cost any more than a crappy one. It is one of life's best bargains.
Memorial plans are pending

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 28, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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We traveled with Susan and Mike. He was such a pleasure to be with. We will always remember him as the happiest guy! He always had a big smile on his face, we never heard him complain.
He was a good friend and we miss him!

Beverly & Willie Templin

Friend

June 22, 2022

May his memory be a blessing

Elizabeth Vann

Friend

June 22, 2022

Pastor Todd and your family, so sorry to hear and learn about this. You know how much you meant to you pastor Todd. When I used to work in the church I met your father a couple of times great man just like you. Keep strong. May God watch over and guide you through these times and your family.

Kenneth Schultze

Acquaintance

July 4, 2020

Mike was a MAN among men. His love of life and family showed through everything he did. His smile and wonderful laugh will be missed. Thanks Mike for being a friend.

Beth Miller-Watkins

Family

July 2, 2020

Our deepest sympathy for your loss.

College of Business

July 1, 2020

Mike was the best boss and mentor I've ever experienced. I worked with Mike at two jobs and worked some franchise projects with him. I would not enjoy the level of success and the quality of life I have today without Mike Gaston.
Mike was a terrific pilot and like business and life, he always had a plan, reacted calmly and purposely to the unexpected. We spent endless hours on endless trips flying planes around the country to visit our franchisees. On one trip in a rental 6 seat plane out of Addison/Dallas we lost radio communications in N. Texas on the way to Kansas. Mike was adept at communicating with control towers by clicking the microphone to the beat of the Morse Code. Then, same trip, we ran into a terrible thunder storm which Mike was able to navigate smoothly, and finally, on approach, we discover that the landing gear wasn't working. I was so glad when Mike taught me how to 'hand crank' the landing gear before touchdown. From there we took a taxi to our hotel, and on the way our driver ran over a rattle snake and asked if he could put it in the back with our luggage.....but that's another story for another time.
Mike as like the older brother I never had. Always a friend, always encouraging others with grace.
Best MG quote: Don't wrestle with the pigs. You'll just get muddy and the pig actually enjoys it.
Michael Don Gaston Rest in Peace.
Larry Hurley

Larry Hurley

Coworker

June 30, 2020

Virtual hugs across the miles and across the years to Susan. Together, you were a beautiful couple, sharing interests, caring for one another and for all creatures great and small.

Hollace & Bruce Weiner

Friend

June 29, 2020

Mike and Susan lived a life of adventure together. He had so much joy in all he did -flying, golfing, traveling...always so fun to be around. My heart goes out to Susan. As the poem high flight says, Mike has "slipped the surly bonds of earth...and has touched the face of God" We will all miss him.

Karla Overturf

Friend

June 29, 2020

I met Mike in 2001 when I interviewed for a job at Cash America. I liked in him instantly. He was wicked smart and funny. He taught me everything I know about the pawn business and was a mentor to me for much of my career. I loved all of his stories--from anecdotes about raising kids to tales of a car that he thought was bad luck. I appreciated his candor, the challenges and opportunities he afforded me, and his advice about finding one's talent and passion. He will be missed.

Shelley Hulme

Coworker

June 29, 2020

Randy Collins

June 29, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time .

Ana

Acquaintance

June 29, 2020

He did a great job raising a son that could appreciate life and what it has to offer. Receiving Christ was probably his best accomplishment. Fly high Mike, fly high...

Kevin Maroney

Friend

June 29, 2020

Our deepest sympathies to the
Gaston Family ✝
From our Family

Cynthia Allen & Family

Acquaintance

June 28, 2020

oh, Susan, I am so sorry! Im keeping you in my thoughts!

Pat Brown

Friend

June 28, 2020

Mike was a smart, enthusiastic person who loved a challenge. He was so wonderful to work with. So many prayers for his family.

Mary Jackson Dres

Coworker

June 28, 2020

Although it's been years since I've seen Mike, I remember him, and that he was always a gentleman...may he rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to his wife Susan, and all his family and friends.

Michael K. Pack

Friend

June 28, 2020

Nancy Lamb

June 28, 2020

We did not ever meet but knew you through your son, Pastor Todd. You were loved by many here on earth. You are loved by Jesus, your friend eternally.
Condolences to all that knee and loved you.
Bob and Becky Lagerlef

Rebecca and Bob Lagerlef

Acquaintance

June 28, 2020

Sending lots of love to the Gaston family. Im so sorry for your loss. I learned so much from working with Mike and loved his easy way of getting his point across. When I see a great presentation, I often quote him, Thats some good eyewash. May his memory be for a blessing.

Andy Fromm

Coworker

June 28, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Thanks for the memories!
Prayers for your family

Willie & Bev Templin

Friend

June 28, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Elizabeth Vann

Friend

June 28, 2020

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