ATHENS, Ohio – Jack Willard Gaston, 84, of Athens, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026, at Ravenswood Care Center, Ravenswood, West Virginia. Born February 21, 1942 in Athens, he was the son of the late Tidal Wave “Jake” Gaston and Florence Walton Gaston.
A graduate of Athens High School and Ohio University, he owned and operated Gaston Logging for over 45 years. He was a collector of antique farm machinery and had participated in many state and national farm machinery exhibitions and shows. He was a member of the International Harvester Collector Club, Ohio Chapter 6, and the Buckeye Vintage Haulers. He was a former member of the Athens County Antique Machinery Club and participated in their shows at the Athens County Fairgrounds. He enjoyed gardening, farming and building. He was a member of the Ohio Army National Guard.
Jack is survived by a son, Jack Willard Gaston, II, from Athens; two daughters, Julie (James) Love of Streetsboro and Kelsey G. (Alexis) Barxias of Athens; two grandchildren Cate Love and Anne Love ; and a brother, Joe I. (Rhonda) Gaston of Ashville, Alabama.
Besides his parents he is preceded in death by a sister, Jill Krisch.
Friends and family are invited to gather 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. A memorial service will be conducted at the funeral home at 4 p.m. with Rev. James Lambert officiating. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.