Robert Eugene Gaston

Robert Eugene Gaston, affectionately known as Bobby, was born on April 26, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised by his parents Milo and Alberta Gaston in Detroit and the downriver suburbs. Robert attended Ecorse High School where he played saxophone, ran cross country, and competed on the swim team.

Robert enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1964, becoming a proud member of Platoon 210. Robert was deployed to fight in the Vietnam War as part of the Weapons Platoon, rising to the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1968 after completing his tour of duty. His time in the Marine Corps remained a proud and defining part of his identity for the rest of his life. He lived by the Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful.

Robert continued his public service by joining the Detroit Police Reserves, patrolling the Herman Gardens public housing high-rises at the southeast corner of Joy and Southfield Roads. He later earned his college degree and worked in the IT field for the rest of his career. Robert also loved the City of Detroit: he spent most free weekends exploring the city, and he was fiercely loyal to Detroit sports teams, especially the Pistons and the Lions.

Robert married Gwendolyn Brown on April 28, 1984, at First Missionary Baptist Church of Ecorse. In 1995, they began building their dream home in Southfield, Michigan. Robert hand-built much of the home himself, alongside his younger brother and closest friends.

Robert was the proud father of four children: Nisha Nichelle and Carisa C. from a previous union, and Jenein Nichele and Jamiil Mykel with his wife, Gwen. He was highly active in all his childrens’ lives and frequently attended their dance recitals, field trips, concerts, and football games. Robert was also very close to his extended family and was a shining example of unconditional love, as he readily accepted everyone as his own kin no matter their relation. He took great joy in frequently visiting and calling his friends and relatives.

Robert was a lifelong member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Ecorse, where he followed in his father Milo’s footsteps by serving as co-chairman on the Trustee Board. He was a faithful and active member of the congregation, lending his time and talents wherever they were needed. He loved singing in the Men’s Day choir and serving on Usher Board #2, and he took great pride in maintaining and improving the church building—such as repainting much of the building’s exterior and keeping the vending machine stocked and running smoothly. After moving to Texas in 2006, Robert joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. He faithfully listened to sermons, praise, and worship each week, including during his final moments the afternoon of Monday, May 19, 2025.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Alberta Gaston; daughters, Nisha Gaston and Carisa Gaston; and siblings, Sam Gaston, Gloria Duncans-Kidd, Carroll Gaston, Freddie Rosemann II, Anita Rosemann, Roscoe and Denise Lawton, and James Poole.

Robert is survived by his wife of 41 years, Gwendolyn Gaston; his daughter, Jenein Gaston (Kloser); his son, Jamiil Gaston; and his son-in-law, Richard Kloser.

He is also survived by his three younger sisters: Gwen Carter, Cathy Cherveny, and Robbie Rosemann; his siblings-in-law: Lydia “Jay” McLeod, Percilla “Pete” McLeod, Bobby and Barbara Jean Brown, Debbie Wright, Cecilia Pope, Regina Poole, Valarie Preyer, and William and Francine Parks; 49 nieces and nephews; over 105 great nieces and nephews; a host of cousins and additional relatives; and many dear friends, who were like family to him.

The immediate family will receive guests for a wake and visitation on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 4 pm to 8 pm EDT at Harry J. Will Funeral Homes, located at 37000 West Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152.

Robert’s home-going celebration will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11 am EDT at First Missionary Baptist Church of Ecorse, located at 3837 15th Street, Ecorse, MI 48229, where Rev. Alfred Davis, Jr., is pastor. Family hour will begin at 10 am EDT.

Robert will be laid to rest with prayers and military honors, presented by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honors Team, on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2:30 pm EDT at Great Lakes National Cemetery, located at 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:23

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