Gary Lee Gastineau

Gary was born in El Paso, Texas to Philip and Phyllis Gastineau. He was the oldest of 5 children - perhaps the most rambunctious of them all as a child (his words, not mine), but through the years growing up in the Bay Area of California he was also steady and solid - the consummate big brother to Thomas, Mary Kay, Michelle, and Karen.

Gary married his first wife, Karen, on his 21st birthday and they had three children under the age of 5 by the age of 25 (they gave him gray hair by the age of 35): Sara, Leslie, and Braden. Karen and Gary moved to the Woodlands-area in 1980 where he grew his career in candy and confectionery sales, cooked like a gourmet, coached every possible kids’ team at the YMCA, and jumped into pick-up games of basketball at that same YMCA with anyone who would play. He did all of this while also caring for his first wife during many, many years of illness - often filling the roles of both mom and dad for his young children.

Several years after Karen’s passing in 2001, Gary moved to southern California for a new job in the candy world and found a second chance at great love when he met Diana “Dee” Gastineau. He claims he pursued her tirelessly (again, his words, not mine) and she was finally won over by his charm and persistence - mostly the charm part. They were married in 2009 in California, and eventually moved to the Woodlands-area to retire and be close to grandkids and family.

When Dee passed in 2022, Gary patiently waited to join the two loves of his life, feeling that he was ready, that his children were ready, and that he had fulfilled his purpose on earth. That day came peacefully in his home on June 21.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Phyllis Gastineau, his sister, Michelle and brother, Thomas. He is also preceded by his beloved in-laws, Harry and Eva Feinberg and of course, the loves of his life, Karen and Diana “Dee”Gastineau.

Gary is survived by his children, whom he loved so well in his life: Sara and son-in-law Darren Wilson, Leslie and son-in-law Kelly O’Donnell, and Braden Gastineau. He is also survived by the grandchildren who believe he hung the moon: Rory, Harper, Wyatt, and Beckett, as well as his sisters Karen and Mary Kay and their families. And not to be forgotten, he is survived by his dog Chili.

A memorial service honoring Gary Gastineau will be held on Sunday, September 1 at 10:00am at Forest Park Cemetery, 18000 I-45 South, The Woodlands, TX 77384. There are scheduled speakers, but anyone who wishes to share memories or thoughts may also do so. Because our dad never met a tropical shirt he didn't like, a Celebration of Life reception will be held following the service at 12:00pm at Tommy Bahama Restaurant, 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380.

Gary was a man who seamlessly alternated between dapper-suited sales executive and Jimmy Buffet lookalike. For this reason, either type of attire is appropriate or a combination of them both. Also, if you ever looked at my dad's feet, you would know that socks are entirely optional.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Houston YMCA.