Gaston “Gator” Crittendon Doke

Gaston “Gator” Crittendon Doke of Bastrop, Louisiana and Santa Barbara, CA passed away 18 April 2019 at 53 years old.

Gator grew up as a woods craftsman making furniture and boats in his home town. Was a talented and prolific artist. At the tender age of 12, he wrestled an alligator and won a record for the largest gator caught in the county. The name “Gator” stuck with him all his life.

Gaston had a larger-than-life personality, a raspy voice, a beautiful southern drawl and could charm anyone he paid attention to. People of all ages were drawn to him. He could tell a good story and was full of folk lore. He loved Jesus Christ and good music to sing to.

He has the good fortune of falling in love once in his 20’s and raised 2 small boys as his own and then again to the love of his life, Filiz Puran Doke of Germany. As she walked past him in the park, he pointed straight at her saying “one of these days”…leaving her to wonder but telling his friends he was going to marry her. That he did and they loved their life together, although far too brief. They were together 7 years, 2 of them married.

Gator leaves behind 2 sisters in Louisiana, 2 adopted sons, BJ and Jason and his beloved Filiz, plus many friends who adored him.

We know you are free walking, dancing and singing. We wish to say rest in peace Gator, but we are pretty sure you are making some good stories up there!