Joe V. W. Gaston, 84, died peacefully on Friday, February 9, 2024, at his home in Springfield, Tennessee. He was born in Burlington, Iowa, on February 28, 1939, to Charles Marion and Gertrude Williams Gaston. After growing up in Iowa, Joe spent most of his adult life in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where his mother’s family originated, and in Nashville and Springfield, the home of his wife’s family.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Kay Baker Gaston; daughters Healan Gaston of Framingham, Massachusetts (Andrew Jewett) and Josephine Larson of Springfield (Andrew); grandchildren Erika Larson, Emma Larson, Elijah Larson, Joseph Jewett, and Samuel Jewett; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin brother, Charles Gaston Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida, younger sister Hilda Tecklenberg (Paul) of Greenville, South Carolina, and brother-in-law Tom Baker (Mary Hocken) of Amherst, Massachusetts. Joe was predeceased by his older sister Peggy Wiseman (Reid) of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and sister-in-law Lynne Rudder Baker of Amherst, Massachusetts.
After graduating from Burlington High School, Joe attended Duke University. There, he studied history and played varsity tennis, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference singles and doubles championships. He then earned a degree at Vanderbilt Law School and served in the United States Air Force and the Tennessee Air National Guard.
Joe married his partner and soulmate, Kay Baker of Nashville, on May 20, 1964. The Gastons settled in Chattanooga, raising their family on Signal Mountain and attending Pilgrim Congregational Church. Joe practiced law with the firm of Chambliss, Bahner, Crutchfield, Gaston & Irvine. He also served as attorney for the town of Walden and board chairman for the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute, among other civic duties.
Joe and Kay later retired to Woodard Hall Farm near Springfield, where they oversaw the restoration of a historic house built in 1792 that is listed on the National Register. Viewing himself as “a recovering lawyer,” Joe lent his expertise to civic groups such as the Red River Watershed Association, the Robertson County Fair Board, 840 Alternatives, and the Stokes and Sarah Brown Charitable Foundation. His other interests and hobbies included tennis, aviation, horseback riding, history, and politics.
In accordance with Joe’s wishes, there will be no formal service, but the family welcomes your condolences and remembrances. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to McCoy Farm and Gardens on Signal Mountain (https://mccoyfarmandgardens.com) or the charity of your choice.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
