Dr. J.M. Gaskin of Durant passed away Jan. 8, following a brief illness.
The former pastor of First Baptist Church, Durant, lived a long and fulfilling life. Born Aug. 30, 1917, in Spiro, he attended public school in Bokoshe and Crowder.
After graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1941 he entered the ministry, pastoring churches in Coalgate, Tonkawa, and Heavener, before moving to Durant, where he served as pastor at First Baptist from 1962-1976.
Dr. Gaskin had a great love of history, and authored numerous books, while serving in various capacities with the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Society. He was an avid outdoorsman, and spent many a Saturday quail hunting with his favorite dog, Ike.
Dr. Gaskin’s wife, Helen, died in 2013. He is survived by his son Ray and wife Suzanne, a brother, Arthur Choate, and numerous grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and their families.
The family gives special thanks to Calera Manor, Featherstone Retirement, Guardian Hospice, and Mary McCalib for their assistance with Dr. Gaskin during his final years.
Services are pending.