Henry T. Gaston Jr.

Henry Thomas Gaston Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on June 25, 2026, after a brief illness.

Henry was born on October 18, 1934, in Loudon, Tennessee, to Henry Thomas Gaston Sr. and Susie Gaston. He grew up in Tennessee and was always very fond of the Great Smoky Mountains. After graduating from Loudon High School, he moved to Rockford for work, eventually retiring after 30 years as a metal finisher at National Lock. He subsequently founded his own business, AAA Metal Finishing, specializing in metal finishing and powder coating.

On August 7, 1954, Henry married the love of his life, Louise Martin, who passed away on June 25, 2002. He later married Daina, who survives him.

Henry was a dedicated Boy Scout leader for Troop 371 at Jackson School and received the Silver Beaver Award, scouting's highest honor, for his exceptional character and lifelong service to youth. An avid outdoorsman, he loved camping in state parks with his family and the scouts. He was also athletic and coached the first girls' basketball team at the YWCA in the early 1970s. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears. Above all, Henry was a caring, loving, and generous husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family and was a Christian who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Daina Gaston; his children, Dawn (Dave) Ingelse, Tom (Ruth) Gaston, Jill Beeman, and Tim Gaston; his grandchildren, Joshua (Michele) Beeman, Becky (Isaac) Krull, Daniel (Jiajia) Beeman, John Beeman, Ian Beeman (fiancée Katie Hultgren), Krista (Tim) Hubler, Matt (Veroneca) Gaston, and Rachael (Gary) Winters; his great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brodyn, Li, Aurelia, Leonidas, Frankie, Tyler, Alex, Robert, William, Dakotah, Ashlynne, and Maddison; his sister, Carolyn (Barney) Herrell; and his niece, Deanna (Scott) Sweeney. 

He was predeceased in death by his parents; his first wife, Louise Gaston; his son-in-law, Ken Beeman; and his great-granddaughter, Scarlet Gaston.

A celebration of Henry’s life will take place on Sunday, August 16th, 2026, from 1 - 3 pm at Sam's Ristorante, Pizzeria and Banquets, 6075 E Riverside Blvd, Rockford, IL 61114.

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