Mark Harvey Gaston, of Vienna, passed away October 22, 2026, at Ruby Memorial Hospital after a sudden fall in his home.
Mark, born August 14, 1955, was the son of the late Abram Lawson Gaston and Mary Doris Brooks Gaston of Buckhannon, WV. He graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1973 and earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
After that, he majored in chemical engineering at Ohio State University. He worked as both a chemical and environmental engineer at DuPont and later at Kuraray Co. (which had taken over a department of DuPont), also in Parkersburg.
Although a science whiz and “brainiac,” Mark loved the outdoors and loved to hike. He was a member of the National Park Foundation and visited multiple national parks. He was also still happy simply spending Sunday afternoons at North Bend State Park near his home.
Mark was an avid traveler, traversing across the country and throughout Europe and the UK. He traveled alone and mapped out his entire agenda on his own. Mark managed to travel to Greece (allowing someone else to do the planning) this past spring with the Road Scholar Company, even while diagnosed with cancer.
He loved classical music and sang for years in the Larry Parsons Chorale and took much joy from singing in his church choir at Parkersburg First Methodist Church. He had a special affection and dedication for his church family.
Mark is survived by one sister, Brooke Gaston-Scott; brother-in-law, Andrew Scott; nephew, Graham Scott; and his wife, Madelynne King.
A memorial service will be on November 21, 2026, at Parkersburg First Methodist Church, located at 1001 Juliana Street, Parkersburg. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. with remembrances at noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memorial Health System, Belpre Cancer Center.
