Robert Gayton

Robert "Bob" Gayton, age 86, passed away April 6, 2016. He resided in Seal Beach, California at the time of his passing.

Bob was born in Los Angeles, California on November 23, 1929. He loved making people laugh and making them feel good. He did this with kindness and tenderness, mixed with a dose of handsome playfulness. He had the voice of a radio and television announcer and was often asked to speak on behalf of others. He was happy when dancing and listening to Latin jazz which reminded him that in his younger years he dreamed of being a professional saxophone player and at times even a baseball hero. After Bob retired from operating his own company, B & C Tool, he spent his free time traveling to Spain, Portugal, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean and volunteering toward the renewal of the 40th Division Recon Company, volunteering at his church and monitoring the Dodgers.

Bob joined the National Guard in 1948 and became a member of the 40th Division Recon Company. This experience was the source of his patriotism. In 1950 he was activated to serve in Korea where he made friendships that would last a lifetime with the help of his sharp-witted humor in difficult times. These "buddies" were his loyal lifetime friends.

Bob married and had Linda Salgado, Sandra Zavaleta (married to Mario), Robert Gayton and Gregory Gayton. From these children, Bob lived to know the company of his grand children and great grandchildren. Later his warm heart guided him to solely care for and raise a grandchild for 6 years.

In 1996 Bob became reacquainted with Teri Subia, whom he had known in high school. The two lived and enjoyed 20 years together in the greater Long Beach area until Bob's passing. Teri had one adult daughter, Teresa Danton, who loved Bob so much that in 2004, Bob and Teresa agreed that the three would become a legal family. Bob adopted Teresa, who was age 46 at the time. Bob and Teri had countless happy times, often with daughter Sandra and Mario, brother Harry and his wife Margaret and nieces and nephews with whom Bob had formed a special bond in childhood.

Bob is survived by his wife Teri, his children Sandra, Robert, Gregory and Teresa, brothers Richard and Harry (wife Margaret), grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews who carry the memory of Bob's special humor and unforgettable kindness.