Rodney Gaston
Rodney James Gaston, age 65, of McCook, Neb., passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2022 at Community Hospital in McCook.
Rod was born January 12, 1957 in Fairbury, Neb., the oldest of four children born to Alvin LeRoy and Lois Marlene (Thompson) Gaston. The Gaston family moved to Grant, Neb. in 1966 where Rod attended school, graduating from Perkins County High School in 1975. Rod’s senior year, Perkins County High School won a Football State Championship, Runner-Up at State Basketball Tournament and a Track & Field State Championship. Rod was coached by his dad in football, creating a legacy that Rod continued in coaching all his sons in basketball at St. Patrick’s School and traveling teams.
Rod attended Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln, Neb. and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology. Rod taught and coached at St. Paul, McCook, Dundy County, Garden City and Wauneta-Palisade. He successfully owned and operated Gaston Lawn’s and Landscape for 25 years with the help of his family. Rod received his Master of Education Administration from the University of Nebraska Kearney. He was the principal at South Platte and had numerous roles at Wauneta-Palisade. Rod had accepted the superintendent position at Anselmo-Merna starting in July. He was a lifelong learner.
Rod married Pam (Garey) Gaston on July 6, 1985, in McCook. They were blessed with four sons: Brian, Cory, Kyle and Gregory. They enjoyed watching their family participate in high school and college sports, skiing, camping in the mountains, deer hunting, attending Rockies baseball games, BBQ competitions, and didn’t miss a state basketball tournament.
Rod was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Nebraska Coaches Association, Nebraska Association of School Administrators, CSO All-Star Game Coach twice, and former member of McCook Saint Patrick PTO.
Rod is survived by his wife, Pam Gaston of McCook; sons, Brian (Tracy) Gaston of Cheney, Wash., Cory Gaston of Lincoln, Kyle (Marissa) Gaston of McCool Junction, Neb., and Gregory Gaston of McCook; siblings, Bradley (Diane) Gaston of Crawford, Neb.; Brenda (Randy) Barry-Schommer of Chadron, Neb. and Stephen (Chelle) Gaston of Venango, Neb. He also had numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and his great joy: grandson Troy Gaston.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents Al and Lois Gaston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic School, PO Box 1040, McCook, NE 69001 or the McCook College Foundation, 1205 East 3rd, McCook, NE 69001.
Visitation with family present to greet friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7 p.m., following the visitation, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, McCook, with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant.
Inurnment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, McCook.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.