John C. Gaston, was born on August 12, 1943 in Gaffney, South Carolina to Reverend Matthew and Rosa (Coleman) Gaston. He was the oldest of three children.

After spending his early years in South Carolina, John's family lived in Flint, Michigan for a year before moving to Cleveland, Ohio. There he attended Alexander Hamilton Jr. High School and John Adams High School. In addition to being a serious student and serving as senior class vice president, John was also an exceptional athlete. He set the pole vault record at his high school and excelled as a sprinter and long distance runner.

Dr. Gaston earned numerous awards and commendations while serving four years as a medic in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. While serving as an Airman, he was selected to compete in the 1963 PACAF Track and Triathlon Meet in Japan.

After being honorably discharged from the military, he married Helena Whiters. During their 17 year union they were blessed with a son, Derrick, and a daughter, Shawn.

Mr. Gaston worked for the Kansas Gas Service for 15 years while he earned his M.Ed. and a BA in Speech Education at Wichita State University. He then earned a PhD in Intercultural Communication from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Upon returning to Wichita, he served 10 years as a Professor and Chair of the Department of Minority Studies at W.S.U. While he was a member of the faculty, he wrote, produced, acted and toured the one-man show 'The Brothers.' He also directed numerous plays that featured community members. Dr. Gaston was quoted as saying that he views the arts as not only a way to entertain and express one's self, but as a means to teach and to learn. He was awarded The National Education Association's Carter G. Woodson Award and Teaching Excellence Awards from Wichita State University and the University of Colorado. The City of Wichita also issued a proclamation establishing John C. Gaston Day. In 2025 he was inducted into the Wichita Black Educators' Hall of Fame.

John moved to Valdosta, Georgia in 1992, where he served as Dean of the College of the Arts at Valdosta State University  While at V.S.U. he continued his work as a poet, playwright, actor and storyteller. V.S.U. theatre audiences will likely remember him for his touching portrayals of Gabriel in the production of August Wilson's Fences and as Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy. He retired from V.S.U. in June 2013. He was presented with a Key to the City of Valdosta.

One of the little known characteristics of Mr. Gaston is that he truly had a heart for the less fortunate. Throughout his life he would regularly visit the elderly and also give to those who were in need without any fanfare or expectations of receiving anything in return. He also tried to model and lead with kindness and compassion.

His many passions and hobbies included being a Master Gardener, wood carving and watching the University of Georgia, Valdosta State University and F.A.M.U. football games. He also enjoyed playing the guitar, keyboard, canjo and kalimba. In addition, he was a more than capable plumber, electrician, mechanic and an all-around handyman. He also had an affinity for turtles.

Dr. Gaston passed away on March 21, 2026. He was at home surrounded by his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory: son, Derrick Gaston (Etta) of Olathe, KS.; daughter, Shawn Teague (Allen) of Bel Aire, KS.; brother, Matthew Gaston of Tom's River, NJ.; sister, Rosalyn Paige of Colorado; granddaughters, Hailey Gaston of Kansas City, MO., Savannah Gaston of Olathe, KS.; nieces, Tamika Leverett of Colorado, McKenzie Gaston (Michael Ruscito) of Tom's River, N.J.; nephew, Matthew Gaston (Lauren) of Pasedena, CA.; great nieces, Naughdia Neely of Colorado, Aaliyah Kingston (Jacob) of Colorado; great great nieces Ellasyn Ruscito of Tom's River, N.J.; Athena Kingston of Colorado; Ava Kingston of Colorado; great great nephews, Jace Gaston of Tom's River, NJ.; Julius Gaston of Pasedena, CA.; Jax Kingston of Colorado; former wife, Helena Whiters of Wichita, KS.; special friend, Dr. Mary Willis of Valdosta, GA.; fur grand dog, Bella of Bel Aire, KS.

Preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Rosa Gaston, and his sister-in-law, Sandra Gaston.