Frederick William "Ish" Gaston

Frederick William Gaston, Jr., age 50, of Gulfport, passed away on October 12, 2011. He was born September 2, 1961, at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Frederick J. Gaston, III.
Survivors include his wife, Renee (Liz), sons Anthony and Christopher, sister Anne, father Fred, mother Michiko, nephews William and Nathan, niece Melissa with two children; and sister-in-law, Angie; all of Gulfport and Biloxi.
He attended schools in Gulfport at Anniston Elementary, Bayou View Junior High, and Gulfport High School. As part of a special high school honors program he took flying lessons during 12th grade. He was active in Civil Air Patrol and upon graduation from USM with a Computer Science degree he became a pilot in the U. S. Air Force. After his military service he entered law enforcement in Montgomery, Alabama, before coming to the Gulfport and then Moss Point Police Departments. He added a Masters degree in Business Administration from William Carey to his education portfolio.
In September of 2010 he was recognized for an action that exemplified his character. He jumped into the Escatawpa River in Moss Point to rescue a man from a sinking vehicle that had gone off the road after dark. He did that while laden with the heavy gear that is required for a policeman on duty.
Both he and his brother had been officers with both the Gulfport and Moss Point Police Departments where their peers have expressed great admiration for their character and leadership. He was known affectionately by the nickname ""Ish"" to his police associates. Ish's sense of humor was legendary for he could bring a smile even to those whom he might be taking into custody and he would use the utmost courtesy in every situation.
William, as he was known by family and friends, was always an honor student in every school he attended. He played trumpet in band during high school and college. He was an expert in firearms and sports guns, training his sons to be such also. His attendance at Mississippi Boys' State in 1978 gave him a better perspective of how our government works.
William was always striving to improve his mind and he constantly challenged us all to do the same. He was an avid reader and loved puzzles. Going to church was not a habit for him but he always said, ""God first, then work and family."" He felt that God was with him in his daily life, especially when he did exceptional things at work which saved lives and prevented public harm or tragedy. As a police supervisor he considered the safety and competence of his shift as paramount to serving and protecting their community.
There is no doubt William could have earned much higher pay in other professions for which he was qualified but another occupation would not have meant as much to him. He wanted his efforts to make a positive difference; and there is abundant evidence that he did just that.
With fatherly pride William often reminded his two sons that nothing stands in the way of achieving their full potential so long as they strive for excellence. Now, as men, they have some very big shoes to fill.
The world was made a better place by William's having been here. He always gave much more than he received. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, from 6-8 p.m. The family will also receive friends on Monday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Gulfport, from 11:30 until the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m.
Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.
For more information, please call (228)539-9800.