Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God Bless you "Creel" You were sheriff from shortly after I was born until I was in high school in Woodward. Even though you had to come out to the house north of Woodward a couple of times, to settle mom and dad down, you always did with professionalism and and dignity. You had a very special way with people and that's one of the many reasons you were loved.

Justin Hicks

Justin Hicks
Former Woodward resident

November 10, 2022

Rip Uncle Creel!!
Can't think of many that didn't love him!!....
I can't believe your assailant was paroled!!

Karen Harms
Niece

April 10, 2019

I was only in 3rd grade when Sheriff Gaston was shot. He was a very caring man that would always take time to talk to anyone. I remember that he lived in a small house just across the street from the elementary school in Sharon, OK that I attended. Now that I am setting in his former Office as the Woodward County Sheriff, Creel crosses my daily. I still have pictures of home hanging in the display case. Sheriff Gaston will never be forgotten!

Sheriff Kevin F. Mitchell
Woodward County Sheriff's Office (OK)

February 8, 2018

Warrior and Hero!!!

Inspector

April 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25TH anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllls Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 12, 2011

Sheriff Gaston, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

February 12, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 9, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 10, 2008

I was living in Woodward County when Sheriff Gaston was shot in the line of duty. I was just a small boy but remember it clearly. In all these years it has stuck with me. Sheriff, rest easy, because we officers and deputies now have the shift. God Bless you for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Don Mitchell
Granbury Police (Texas)

July 20, 2007

I remember Sheriff Gaston giving my class a tour of the jail. I was in 4th grade. He made it so fun. I couldn't get enough so sometimes I would stop by the Courthouse to see the Deputies and the Sheriff. He always had time to say hi and talk even if for only a short while.

I remember my parents talking to me about when he was shot. I was really saddened to know he passed away.

Sheriff Gaston, I serve because you made me want to be like you.

Michael Huber

Ptlm./T.O. Michael Huber
Greenland Arkansas

April 7, 2006

Rest easy, we now have the watch.

Sergeant Mark S. Herman
Grapevine Police Department

August 3, 2004

Rest in peace, you are a real hero. Thanks for your years of dedication and your sacrifice. You are an example for other officers. You will never be forgotten.

Pat
Baltimore, MD

September 20, 2003

Rest easy, Sheriff. You are not forgotten. The star shines because of people like you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)