May 10, 2023 the local aviation community lost one of its finest supporters and enthusiasts, Floyd "Tex" Gaston.

Tex was the first child born to Arnold and Elva Gaston on June 7, 1934 while living on the family farm in Marion, IL. Eighteen years later, Tex graduated high school near Houston, TX. Following a short enrollment at University of Texas, he enlisted in the US Air Force. After being ruled out for pilot training due to color blindness, he went to aircraft engine school and was initially stationed at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA where he met the one love of his life, Flora Jean Stoneman, whom he married in February, 1955. His Air Force career ultimately spanned from his assignment with the Strategic Air Command as a Crew Chief for the "new" B36 Squadron at Fairchild then Biggs AFB in El Paso, TX, to Portland, OR, supervising a crew maintaining a fleet of Grumman Albatross for the 304 ^th Air Rescue Squadron, to his final assignment as a reservist many years later as Crew Chief for C5 Galaxy's flying out of McCord AFB in Tacoma, WA.

A short break in military service occurred after initially being honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1957. He and Flora started their 2nd stay in Spokane (1957 – 58) with one-year old Michael and two-week-old Stephen. Tex tested for and received his A&P aircraft mechanic certificate in June 1958. The family then moved to Sandy, Hillsboro and eventually Portland, OR. He and Flora raised five children in Portland while Tex worked for the US Air Force 304 ^th Air Rescue Squadron at Portland International Airport, then Bonneville Power Administration at Pearson Airpark in Vancouver, WA, maintaining a fleet of Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopters and two 680T Turbine Grand Commander fixed wing aircraft. While in Portland, Tex finally fulfilled his childhood dream for flying, earning his private, instrument, commercial and seaplane ratings. He also taught ground school for new pilots at Pearson Airpark.

Tex and Flora returned to Spokane for the third and final time in 1978 to work for the Federal Aviation Administration, literally at the same desk he sat next to for his A&P certificate in '58. For the following 16 years he canvassed Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho as an FAA Airworthiness Inspector, certifying repaired, restored, modified and experimental aircraft as well as investigating accidents. After 42+ years serving his country, he retired in 1994. Not done with aviation training, he ran the hanger for Rocket Engineering at Felts Field for roughly five years until Flora fell ill, requiring near full time care. Flora passed away in 2003.

For all who knew Tex - his greatest lifelong passions were all aspects of aviation and helping others. After stepping back from aviation, he maintained an active life assisting with daily Mass and funerals at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish, providing transportation for friends who could no longer drive, and volunteering countless hours at the Boys Home and Immaculate Heart Retreat Center.

Tex was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Flora, his only sister, Glenna and his brother Donald Lee ("Beaver"). He is survived by two brothers, Ray and Clement ("BB"), and all his children: Michael, Steve (Clare), Greg (Laura), Tim (Diana) and only daughter, Cynthia (Brad) Nelms. His legacy lives on with 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

His funeral service will be held Monday, May 22, at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. A Rosary will be offered at 10:15 am, Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, social/lunch at 12:00 pm and burial at Holy Cross Cemetery at 1:30. Online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org