Harold Eugene Gastineau (Gene), 89, Woodstock, Georgia, passed on November 6th, 2023. He was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather (Grandpops), Great-Grandfather and friend. He is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Louise Gastineau. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann (Houghton) Gastineau; son, Shan Gastineau and daughter-in-law Lisa Gastineau; son, Michael Kem Gastineau; daughter, Chelle Hawn Benson and son-in-law Shawn Benson; seven Grandsons; Dan and Dave Gastineau; Mark, Bryan, Joe and Ben Hawn; and Michael J. Gastineau; two Granddaughters Hannah Gastineau and McKenna Gastineau; and seven beautiful Great-Grand Children.

Gene was born September 14, 1934, in a small town in Northwestern Missouri called Cowgill. He spent much of his boyhood playing baseball, basketball and football. He was fascinated with airplanes and loved building models and even the ones he could fly around in his backyard. As a teen, he developed a strong work ethic in the fields bailing hay and helping his father at his Ford Tractor Dealership and service station.

Gene met his wife, Patricia Houghton, when she was 14 years old. They were set up on a blind date for a fall festival hayride. He was a Junior and she was a Freshman, from that point forward they were inseparable and would go on to be married four years later after college.

The University of Missouri recognized Gene's pitching skills and offered him a baseball scholarship right out of high school. Also, during his college years, he joined the Air Force ROTC. As a senior in 1954, there were many defining moments as Mizzou won the College World Series in baseball, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics; and he married the love of his life, Patricia Houghton.

He was picked up by IBM right out of college and the company held his position for three years while he fulfilled his commitment to the Air Force; and his dream to learn to fly planes. His first son, Shan, was born during his college years; and his second son, Michael Kem, was born while serving in the Air Force stationed in McAllen, Texas. After the Air Force, Gene, stepped into his position with IBM and was transferred to Kansas City where his daughter, Chelle, came into the world.

Gene worked diligently on his career with IBM and did well; but still did not feel like he was fulfilling his purpose in life. When an opportunity to interview with a new airline showed up while he was at his downtown IBM location, he, on a whim, walked across the street and applied. He was chosen among five new pilots for Eastern Airlines and he and his family were soon on their way to Atlanta. Gene felt he had finally landed.

Through Gene's flying years, he was the consummate professional pilot; and an active participant as a Dad/Coach with all of his children's sporting activities.

In 1973, revival swept over Gene and his family in a grand way. All of his family's lives were radically changed. Growing spiritually became a paramount focus for him; and a gift of evangelism blossomed.

In 1989, Eastern Airlines Union went on strike. Because of Gene's faith, he did not strike alongside the machinist, pilots and flight attendants nor would he cross the picket line. Instead, he chose to take early retirement and focus on full time ministry and keeping a watchful eye on his family.

Gene has always been very social, never met a stranger. Those that know him know that he was always the first to drop everything and show up when in need. He led a life of very high and intentional spiritual impact all those he encountered. Through 69 years of marriage, he was a devoted husband and his wife, Patricia describes him as 'a jewel of a man'.