EAST LIVERPOOL - Lifetime East Liverpool resident Willis Gilmore Gaston, of Mayberry Lane, East Liverpool, passed on to meet his Creator on Thursday evening, Oct. 29, 2009, following a brief illness. He was 88.

Born in East Liverpool on Aug. 30, 1921, he was the only child of Carl W. and Bertha Van Fossan Gaston. A 1939 graduate of East Liverpool High School, he furthered his education at Muskingum College and Purdue University, where he studied mechanical engineering prior to joining the Army Air Corps during World War II. During that time, Mr. Gaston served his country for three years as an Aircraft Engineering Officer, specializing in B29s. He also served with post-war security forces in Italy.

Following the war, Mr. Gaston returned to the area and became the Chief of Engineering at the Edwin M. Knowles China Company, a position he held for 16 years. He later retired from the Anchor Hocking Corporation, in the Ceramic Products Division, serving as Manager of Manufacturing Engineering for 20 years.

A lifetime member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Mr. Gaston served as an elder emeritus and had also taught the Carl Gaston Bible Class for many years.

He had earned membership in Sigma Pi Sigma, Physics Honorary Society, and the American Institute of Physics. He was also a licensed private aircraft pilot.

Mr. Gaston had been a member of the Board of Directors of the Riverview Cemetery Association and had served as president from 1988 through 1997. In addition, he was a life member of the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association and its Olde Guard.

Surviving at home is his wife of 66 years, Jane Ann Fisher Gaston, whom he married on June 26, 1943.

Also surviving are two sons, Clyde W. Gaston of Westerville, Ohio, and Dr. Carl A. Gaston of East Liverpool. There are three grandchildren, Jonathan T. Gaston, Whitney L. Gaston and Andrew P. Gaston, as well as a great-granddaughter, Aurora Gaston.

Friends may call at the Dawson Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Mark Dunn of the church officiating.

Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery where the Tri State Veterans Burial Group will accord full military honors. After which family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center.

View this obituary and send condolences online at www.dawsonfuneralhome.com