Gaston Emmanuel Rouse Jr.

Gaston Rouse, Jr. was a very complex man. This is reflected in his name. Through an error when his father immigrated to Jamaica from Cuba, his legal name was Gladston Emmanuel Rouse, Jr. Years later, this error was corrected and he took his father’s actual first name, Gaston. It is Gaston Emmanuel Rouse, Jr. that her preferred and the name by which most people know and remember him by.

Gaston was born on March 7, 1945 in a country whose main sports were soccer and cricket. He became a naturalized American citizen as a young boy and a fan of not only American football, but also track and field. His ability and dedication in track earned him a scholarship to Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He appreciated football teams with skill in executing field strategies or that employed qualified, but diverse staff. Gaston studied history, particularly that of the two World Wars. He was interested in gardening, cooking, science fiction, space, folk and country music, astronomy, vintage westerns, jazz, and classic rock. His tastes spanned a broad, seemingly contradictory range of subjects. He was quick to anger when he considered someone’s behavior inappropriate, but he still had immense concern for anyone in challenging circumstances. It prompted him to over tip people whose salaries depended on gratuities. When a childcare administrator did not want to grant an extension and suggested a woman sell her car to pay the required tuition, Gaston covered the cost of one week for her. He was both a committed friend and a dedicated foe.

Despite having been drafted into the United States Army, he chose to become an officer and his career spanned more than two and a half decades. His college degree gave him entry into the Army Officer Candidate School and his athletic discipline gave him the stamina to endure its demands. As an officer he had multiple jobs, but he loved commanding troops. He was fortunate to have that prized assignment three times at three different ranks. When he retired from the Army, Gaston began a second career with Virginia State Parks.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Jean Maria; three children whom he deeply treasured, Taran, Jean Maria Rena, and Gaston; two nephews, Brandon and Tristan; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends on both sides.

They understand you are at peace, while they are not. On August 10th, your absence diminished their lives.

A visitation for Gaston will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, 186 Shelton Shop Rd, Stafford, Virginia 22554. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM with a reception after the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com for the Rouse family.