Leonard Giles Gaston

Leonard passed peacefully on Feb 23, 2026 at the age of 93, 8:55 pm at St. Rose San Martin Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife by his side, accompanied by close friends and his niece, Laura and her husband, Ron, on video call.

Born Leonard Giles Gaston (Lenny) on Aug 31, 1932 in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Corona, New York.

Preceded in death by his siblings; stepbrother, Julian Taliver; first wife, Irma Ray Darensbourg; son, Leonard Gregory; and granddaughter, Danielle Paris.

He is survived by his current wife, Tawanna Ervin; daughters, Valerie Paris (husband Douglas), Monica Sneed (husband DeWon); grandchildren, Genelle, Andre, DeWon Jr, and Lynnae; stepchildren, Randi Kincade, Jamie Nightlinger; step grandchildren, Madison Nightlinger, Julian Kincade, Boston Kincade, Stella Kincade, Miles Crosby, and Demitrius Noel; and his beloved niece/Goddaughter, Laura Sanford-Howard.

After finishing Newtown High School, he studied and passed the test to become a Diesel Power Plant Operator and later joined the U.S. Marine Corps as an Aviation Supply Specialist, where he served his country for four years. He married Irma Ray Darensbourg at the age of 24 and they had three children (Monica, Valerie and Leonard Gregory).

He also attended Los Angeles City College.

He later worked for and retired from the City of Los Angeles. During retirement he enjoyed working as a bicycle assembler where he loved giving one on one riding lessons to children.

Some of his notable hobbies were avid pool enthusiast, wood working, and working on cars.

Oct 2, 2016, he married his current wife, Tawanna Ervin, who shared his love playing in the APA Pool League, traveling, sports and dining out.

Leonard was a true man of God, a devout Catholic, and a pillar of strength. He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Community where he served as a Hospitality Minister, was a member of the Couples Club, Mens Club and Knights of Columbus. He was a kind and gentle soul, and he inspired many with his courage, especially during times of adversity. Everyone that knew Leonard loved him. He was always happy and positive, even during times of illness.

Leonard’s Life Motto: God 1st, The other fellow and I'm 3rd.

2 Timothy 4:7 states: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Psalm 116:15 states, "The death of his faithful servants is precious to the Lord."

Revelations 14:13 “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they will rest from their labor, and their deeds will follow them.”