In Loving Memory of Clent Gaston Jr.

Clent Gaston Jr., affectionately known as “Shot,” was the youngest son of Clent Sr. and Treola Gaston. He was born on June 20, 1960, in Seattle, Washington, alongside his twin sister, Connie ("Con"), arriving just five minutes before her. Clent spent his entire life in Washington and, as the sixth of nine Gaston children, deeply believed in the importance of family, togetherness, and unconditional love.

It came as no surprise when Clent married the love of his life, Manila, who also happened to be Connie's best friend. Together they built a beautiful family and were united in marriage. Clent was the proud father of four children and a devoted godfather to one beloved goddaughter.

One of Clent's greatest joys was being a grandfather. He shared a special bond with each of his grandchildren, and he had the privilege of helping raise several of them. To every one of them, he was lovingly known as “Papa,” a title he treasured.

Clent began his career as a pool hall manager before dedicating many years of service as a manager at Church's Chicken. More than any job title, however, he was known as a caretaker. He was a man of strength, compassion, resilience, and unwavering generosity. No one in his family was ever left homeless or hungry. His home was always open to anyone who needed a warm meal, a safe place to stay, a bed to sleep in, or simply a place to rest.

Clent was a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was truly a beautiful soul whose greatest ministry was feeding others. Following the passing of his older brother, Willie, Clent took it upon himself to gather food and supplies and travel to downtown Seattle, where he served meals to those experiencing homelessness. Through these selfless acts of kindness, he continued to share his love with everyone he encountered.

“In all settings, get an understanding: Clent was a knowledge seeker always wanting to know, to learn to teach a true example of good for goodness sake. He did because it was the right thing to do. A true example of decent and in order.

Clent was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Manila; his parents, Clent Sr. and Treola Gaston; his brother, Willie Gaston; his sisters, Josephine Gaston, Ernestine Gaston, and Treola Gaston Jr.; and his beloved son, Christopher.

He leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Levi Gaston; his sisters, Rosie Gaston, Connie (Derrick), and Marsha Gaston; his children, Unga, Clent (Brittany), and Tuvaelagi; 11 cherished grandchildren, Rebecca, Penina, Macai, John Douglas, Iloa, Levi, Clent Gaston, Viliamu Gaston, A’mira, Fredrick “Cinco”, Far’razad “Baby Sister”; his beloved goddaughter; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless dear friends whose lives were forever touched by his love, generosity, and unwavering presence.