Sam Mims Gaston passed away Monday, March 19, 2018, in Durango. He was 88 years old. Sam was born January 1, 1930, to Robert Lee and Edith (Mims) Gaston in Aztec, New Mexico. At the age of 18, he left the family ranch at Cedar Hill to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Force. He served during the Korean War in the 934th Signal Battalion/5th Communications Group, 2nd Radio Relay Squadron. Upon his return to the States, he worked a brief time for the Forest Service before he began a lengthy career in the oil and gas industry. He worked for El Paso Natural Gas, Northwest Pipeline, and eventually Williams. Though, he worked a full-time job, Sam always helped his father on the family ranches. Once he retired from Williams, he continued ranching full-time on the Gaston Ranch on the Florida Mesa. He was a generous, hardworking man that loved his family and friends. Sam was happiest working out in his fields and corrals, and continued to do that up to the very moment of his passing. He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Betty (Antle) Gaston; children: Hazel "Lucy" (Darrell) Owen, Pat Gaston, and Brenda (Mick) Davis; grandchildren: Abigail Owen and Tyrell Davis; and multiple nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Flora J. Griffin, Robert L. Gaston, and twin brothers, Johnny and Lee Gaston. Per his request, no services will be held. His family requests that you honor his memory by reflecting on the cherished time you spent with Sam. And after that, as he would always say, “Now, quit your belly-achin’ and get back to work.” In his honor, please make contributions to: the American Heart Association or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation.