ᐅ Mississippi Death Notices 2009-2024
Gaston, Gast, Gassion, Gassett, Gassaway, Gasper, Gaspard, Gaspar...

Mary, Manuel, Keith, Karen, Ida, Hugh, Fredna, Frederick, Delores, David...

Database updated November 2024
Search Contact Info
Family Members, Relatives & Friends

▰ Mary (Netters) Gaston

Died November 06, … More Information
Mary (Netters) Gaston, of Greenville, Mississippi, peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord November 6, 1997. Mary was 94.
Obituary published: November 07, 1997 in "Sacramento Bee (CA)"

▰ Mary Spell Gaston

Died October 23, … More Information
Mary Spell Gaston, born May 30, 1917 passed from this world into the next October 23, 2015 in Tupelo, Mississippi. Mary was 98. Tags: #Charles
Obituary: Mary was born on May 30, 1917 and passed away on , 23, 2015. Mary was a resident of Tupelo, Mississippi at the time of passing. Mary was married to Charles.

▰ Manuel Gaston

Died August 07, … More Information
Manuel Gaston, born December 10, 1955 left us to live with the Father in his new eternal home August 7, 2016 in Greenville, Mississippi. Manuel was 60.

▰ Keith Gaston

Died September 22, … More Information
Keith Gaston, born March 29, 1972 entered eternal life September 22, 2017 in Mississippi. Keith was 45.

▰ Karen Ann Jenkins Gaston

Died June 12, … More Information
Karen Ann Jenkins Gaston, born November 5, 1956 passed from this life on June 12, 2012 in Mississippi. Karen was 55.

▰ Karen Ann Jenkins Gaston

Died June 12, … More Information
Karen Ann Jenkins Gaston, born November 5, 1956 was anxious to meet her Maker and Master June 12, 2012 in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Karen was 55.
Family members and close friends: , The Staff Of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home-parkway Memorial Cemetery, Mary Nell Holland, Paula Gregory, Diane Henderson Dana, Suzanne Gregory Britt, Bobby And Wyvis Hester, Angie Whittington-doss, Susan Lee Morrow

▰ Ida Mae "Tobo" (Gore) Gaston

Died November 26, … More Information
Ida Mae "Tobo" (Gore) Gaston died unexpectedly on November 26, 2003 at the age of 86 in Ruleville, Mississippi.
Obituary published: November 27, 2003 in "The Enter-Toc"

▰ Ida Mae Gaston

Died November 25, … More Information
Ida Mae Gaston, of Ruleville, Mississippi, passed from this life on November 25, 2003. Ida was 86.
Obituary published: November 26, 2003 in "Com-A (TN)"

▰ Hugh Neil Gaston

Died May 26, … More Information
Hugh Neil Gaston, 83, of Grenada, Mississippi departed this life May 26, 2004.
Obituary published: May 27, 2004 in "Com-A (TN)"

▰ Fredna Graham Gaston

Died February 03, … More Information
Fredna Graham Gaston, born April 1, 1917 passed from this world into the next February 3, 2015 in Ackerman, Mississippi. Fredna was 97. Tags: #Mars #Whitman #Graham #Louise #Collins #Charlotte #Glendal #Ackerman #Lynne #Columbus #Rory #Reid #Madison #Mitcie #Jennifer #Cooper #Courtney #Logan #Luke #Emma #George #Mantee #Lebanon #Church #Fredna #Lord #Memorial #Choctaw #Rehabilitation #Maddux #West #Street
Obituary: Fredna Graham Gaston passed away on 3, 2015. She was born on 1, 1917 in Reform, MS and lived 97 very fulfilling years. In her years, she went from the horse and buggy era to seeing space craft land on Mars. She lived through news being passes by word of mouth to texting and face chat. She had the great pleasure of seeing her family grow and prosper. Fredna was preceded in death by her husband, Whitman Gaston. Also preceding her in death were her brother, R.C. Buddy Graham, and her sister, Louise Graham Collins. Fredna is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Glendal Reid of Ackerman, MS. She is survived by two grandchildren, Lynne Sneed of Columbus, MS and her spouse, Rory Sneed, and Dr. Kirk Reid of Madison, MS and his spouse Mitcie Reid. She had five wonderful great grandchildren, Jennifer Reid, Cooper Reid, Courtney Reid, Logan Sneed, and Luke Sneed. Fredna is also survived by her sister, Emma Shaw of Columbus, MS, her brother, George Graham of Mantee, MS and her nieces and nephews. Fredna was a life-long member of Old Lebanon Presbyterian Church and diligent attendee. She will be interred beside her husband at Old Lebanon.
Without a doubt, Fredna will be greatly missed by all. She leaves behind many adoring friends and loved ones. But all can rest knowing she is at home now with her Lord. Memorial donations may be made to the Choctaw and Rehabilitation c/o Jan Maddux 311 West Cherry Street Ackerman, MS 39735.

▰ Frederick William Jr Gaston

Died October 16, … More Information
Frederick William Jr Gaston, age 50 of Mississippi, born in Montgomery, Alabama, peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord October 16, 2011.
Obituary published: October 17, 2011 in "Sun-H"

▰ Frederick William Jr Gaston

Died October 15, … More Information
Frederick William Jr Gaston, of Mississippi, born in Montgomery, Alabama, left us to live with the Father in his new eternal home October 15, 2011. Frederick was 50.
Obituary published: October 16, 2011 in "Sun-H"

▰ Frederick William Jr Gaston

Died October 14, … More Information
Frederick William Jr Gaston, of Gulfport, Mississippi, peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord October 14, 2011. Frederick was 50.
Obituary published: October 15, 2011 in "Sun-H"

▰ Frederick William Jr Gaston

Died October 13, … More Information
Frederick William Jr Gaston, age 50 of Gulfport, Mississippi, joined the Lord October 13, 2011.
Obituary published: October 14, 2011 in "Sun-H"

▰ Frederick William Jr Gaston

Died October 12, … More Information
Frederick William Jr Gaston, of Gulfport, Mississippi, went into the presence of the Lord on October 12, 2011. Frederick was 50.
Obituary published: October 13, 2011 in "Sun-H"

▰ Delores Gaston

Died August 25, … More Information
Delores Gaston, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away peacefully August 25, 2006. Delores was 47.
Obituary published: August 26, 2006 in "Tallahassee D (FL)"

▰ David Gaston

Died February 09, … More Information
David Gaston, age 61 of Moorhead, Mississippi passed away February 9, 2005.
Obituary published: February 10, 2005 in "The Enter-Toc"

▰ Chuck Gaston

Died November 04, … More Information
Chuck Gaston, 73, went to be with the Lord on November 4, 2005 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Obituary published: November 05, 2005 in "Tallahassee D (FL)"

▰ A'Maurie Alexandro Gaston

Died January 19, … More Information
A'Maurie Alexandro Gaston, of Picayune, Mississippi, entered eternal life January 19, 2010. A'Maurie was 0.
Obituary published: January 20, 2010 in "Sun-H"

▰ William Knowlton "Taxi Bill" Gast

Died September 26, … More Information
William Knowlton "Taxi Bill" Gast, of Mississippi, born in Ohio, entered Heaven's gates on September 26, 2009. William was 54.
Obituary published: September 27, 2009 in "NW Florida D-N (FL)"

▰ Stewart P Gast

Died March 27, … More Information
Stewart P Gast, age 92 of Mississippi, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away March 27, 1998.
Obituary published: March 28, 1998 in "Times-Picayune (LA)"

▰ Ellen (Cullen) Gast

Died February 18, … More Information
Ellen (Cullen) Gast, age 92 of Mississippi, born in Nebraska, went to be with her Lord and Savior February 18, 2005.
Obituary published: February 19, 2005 in "Sun-H"

▰ Lucy Mae Gassion

Died September 06, … More Information
Lucy Mae Gassion, 96, of Sardis, Mississippi departed this life September 6, 2018.
Obituary published: September 07, 2018 in "Com-A (TN)"

▰ William Dean Gassett

Died April 16, … More Information
William Dean Gassett, born September 2, 1955 joined the Lord April 16, 2020 in Pearl, Mississippi. William was 64.
Family members and close friends: , Glenn Reynolds, Sophia Gassett, Kathy Rogers, Dahlia Tilghman, Kristen Mccoy, Susan Schilling, Terry White Gassett, Sherry Colwell, Richelle Tilghman, Cindy Luby, Julia Kelly, Becca Waggoner, Mike Gassett, Joshua Gassett, Eric Reiners, Jodie Wright, Riley Gassett, Nathanael Gassett, Debbie Luxton, Leneisha Boyle, Shirani Hickman, Tiffany West, Marion Kennedy, Deborah Higsmith, Kierra Tyler, Ida Adams, Betty Rodgers, Irene Beard, Nancy Gaden Jackson, Jenni Sims, Brandie Applewhite, Emma Saunders, Liz Smith, Cristy Wilson

▰ Jerry Gassaway

Died October 26, … More Information
Jerry Gassaway, born May 28, 1947 entered the Kingdom of Heaven October 26, 2015 in Fulton, Mississippi. Jerry was 68.

▰ Helen Louise Gassaway

Died April 06, … More Information
Helen Louise Gassaway, age 63 of Tupelo, Mississippi, departed this life Sunday April 6, 2010.
Obituary published: April 07, 2010 in "Milwaukee J-S (WI)"

▰ Frank E Gasper

Died March 19, … More Information
Frank E Gasper, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2013. Frank was 87.
Obituary published: March 20, 2013 in "Sun-H"

▰ Frank E Gasper

Died March 18, … More Information
Frank E Gasper, age 87 of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed from this world into the next March 18, 2013.
Obituary published: March 19, 2013 in "Sun-H"

▰ Ruby (Spooner) Gaspard

Died December 10, … More Information
Ruby (Spooner) Gaspard, age 69 of Mississippi, joined the Lord December 10, 2001.
Obituary published: December 11, 2001 in "Tallahassee D (FL)"

▰ Helen Cruse Gaspard

Died July 08, … More Information
Helen Cruse Gaspard, born February 3, 1935 died July 8, 2014 in Mississippi. Helen was 79. Tags: #Catholic #Poplarville #Mississippi #Monroe #Neville #School #Northeast #University #Southern #Jefferson #Louisiana #American #Society #Paul #Pearl #Auxiliary #Meals #Wheels #Womens #Blueberry #Citizen #Year #Chamber #Commerce #Christmas #North #Sherman #Gaspard #William #Annie #Sandy #Alex #Flores #Kirby #Donna #Graham #Caroline #Ashleigh #Dade #Kessley #Stony #Xander #Ryan #Brent #Raegan #Lindsey #Evan #Emily #Evelyn #Cruse #Anne #Vanessa #Clay #Joubert #Mark #Richard #Leische #Reggie #David #Wesley #Hattiesburg #Azar #Bruckmeier
Obituary: Dr. Helen Cruse Gaspard passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on , 8, 2014, after a brief illness. A funeral mass will be held at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Poplarville, Mississippi, on , 11, 2014, at 10 AM. Visitation will be at the church on , 10th from 6-9PM with a rosary at 7:30PM.

Dr. Gaspard was born on 3, 1935, in Monroe, LA. She graduated from Neville High School where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She earned her bachelors and masters degree in education from Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM). She worked on her doctorate at the University of Southern Mississippi and upon completion, she became the 1st teacher to ever earn a doctorate in the Jefferson Parish school system.

Dr. Gaspard was an outstanding educator and her efforts and determination positively affected students throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. She was a founder of the special education program for Louisiana. She was a lifelong champion of the importance and value of education in a childs life, spending many hours volunteering at schools even after retirement. Throughout her career, positions she held included elementary teacher, supervisor of student teaching, principal, special education coordinator, consultant and school board member.
Not only did Dr. Gaspard have an unbelievable work ethic, she had a generous heart and gave unselfishly to many causes including the American Cancer Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Pearl River Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels.

Her generosity has left many footprints over the community of Poplarville as she was involved in Womens Club, master gardener in the garden club, committee member for the inaugural Blueberry Jubilee, and feature writer for the Poplarville Democrat. She was named Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2003.

Despite her many achievements, her greatest devotion was to her church and family. At church, Dr. Gaspard served on the finance committee, parish council, and was a eucharistic minister. Her family will lovingly remember her as a wonderful mom and grandmother. She will be remembered for her Christmas brandy cakes and many gourmet meals, exposing her family to many interesting places and cultures. She and her family traveled extensively throughout North America and her family will treasure fond memories from those trips. But most of all, she will be remembered for her courageous, fighting spirit and champion of the importance of education.

Dr. Gaspard was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sherman Joseph Gaspard, Sr. and her parents William and Annie Cruse.
She is survived by her children: Sandy Grubbs (Mark), Alex Sikes (Lyndsey), and Sherman Gaspard, Jr. (Jan). Step children: Sue Flores, Kirby Gaspard (Becky), and Donna Hembree. Grandchildren: Graham and Caroline Grubbs, Ashleigh Sikes, Dade, Kessley, Stony and Xander Gaspard. Step grandchildren: Ryan and Brent Williams, Raegan Sampe (Ryan), Lindsey, Evan and Emily Gaspard plus 6 step great grandchildren.
Her sister, Evelyn Blanchard (John); brother William Bill Cruse (Lois Anne); niece, Vanessa LeGaux; nephews, Coy and Clay Cruse and her special friend, Dr. Ed Joubert.

Pallbearers are Alex Sikes, Sherman Gaspard, Jr., Kirby Gaspard, Mark Grubbs, Graham Grubbs and Dade Gaspard. Honorary pall bearers are Dr. Ed Joubert, Richard Sharp, Dr. Sam Leische, Reggie Savoy, and David Martin.

The family would like to thank Wesley Medical in Hattiesburg, MS, especially Dr. George Azar and Dr. Kurt Bruckmeier and a host of critical care nurses for their exceptional and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.

White , Poplarville (601) 795-4982. www.whitefuneralhomepoplarville.com

▰ Dr Helen Cruse Gaspard

Died July 08, … More Information
Dr Helen Cruse Gaspard, born February 3, 1935 entered into eternal rest July 8, 2014 in Poplarville, Mississippi. Dr was 79.
Family members and close friends: , Richard Dellostritto, Larry And Sandra Hall, Loria Saucier, M. King, Rochelle Dahmer, Lisa Fedoroff Albert, Felicia Vance, Derrit Loper & Family, Nalin And Anji White, Robin ( Sikes ) Mitchner, Kristen Kammer-hattox, Glenda Amacker, Brenda Cruse Dellostritto, Ed Mcgivern, Mary Janean Smith, Randus And Bernice Davis, Joanne Cuevas, Jeanne Mitchell Sanders, Hattie Watson

▰ Francisco Pascual Gaspar

Died July 13, … More Information
Francisco Pascual Gaspar, born April 4, 1973 entered Heaven's gates on July 13, 2014 in Corinth, Mississippi. Francisco was 41.

▰ Francisco Pascual Gaspar

Died July 13, … More Information
Francisco Pascual Gaspar, born April 4, 1973 passed from this life on July 13, 2014 in Corinth, Mississippi. Francisco was 41.
Family members and close friends: , From The Staff Of Mcpeters Funeral Directors

▰ Terry L Gaskin

Died April 06, … More Information
Terry L Gaskin, born November 8, 1959 peacefully entered eternal life with our Lord April 6, 2016 in Mississippi. Terry was 56.

▰ Terry L Gaskin

Died April 06, … More Information
Terry L Gaskin, born November 8, 1959 went to be with the Lord on April 6, 2016 in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Terry was 56.
Family members and close friends: , Rochelle Banks, Lenease Macklin

▰ Polly Gaskin

Died June 13, … More Information
Polly Gaskin passed away June 13, 2017 in Mississippi.

▰ Harriet Gaskin

Died February 24, … More Information
Harriet Gaskin, born October 29, 1938 joined the Lord February 24, 2017 in West Point, Mississippi. Harriet was 78.

▰ Danny Joe Gaskin

Died July 22, … More Information
Danny Joe Gaskin, born January 18, 1988 left his earthly home and passed through the Veil to his Eternal Home July 22, 2017 in Ackerman, Mississippi. Danny was 29. Tags: #Choctaw #Christian #Bible #Aaron #Chandler #Payton #Mary #Joes #Zena #Services #Danny #Coleman #Ackerman #Enon #Gaskin #Billie #Janet #Robert #Willa #Gammill #Doyle #Polly #Junior #Eddie #Mike #Patrick #Rodney #Dillon #Bill #Bryson #Bubba #Pallbearers #Edward #David #Mark #Collums #Mosely #Medstat
Obituary: Danny Joe Gaskin, 29, a heavy equipment mechanic for Site Masters Construction, Inc, passed away , 22, 2017 at his home in Ackerman, MS. Mr. Gaskin was born 18, 1988 in Choctaw , MS. Danny Joe was a very Christian man who would go out of his way to help anyone with a problem. He always reached for his Bible for guidance and answers. He enjoyed being outdoors whether he was hunting, fishing, spending time with his family or working. His favorite hobby was working on old trucks. No matter what he had planned, he would stop what he was doing if Aaron, his brother, Ray, Chandler, or Payton needed him. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his wife, Mary. He loved to cook or try any type of recipe. He always had a grill ready to fire up, whether at work or at home. Danny Joes true passion was spending time with his wife, Mary, and his dog, Zena. went fishing, hunting, or riding their bikes. While fishing, he would always try out new lures or jigs he had either bought or made. Danny Joe was always on the hunt for that trophy bass. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Services for Danny Joe will held on , 28, 2017 at 1 PM at Coleman in Ackerman, MS. Interment will follow in Enon in Ackerman, MS. Visitation will be held , 28, 2017 beginning at 10AM until the service time at Coleman in Ackerman, MS. Coleman of Ackerman, MS is in charge of all arrangements. Mr. Gaskin is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Gaskin and their dog, Zena, his father, Billie Joe Gaskin, his mother, Janet Gail Gaskin, a brother, Aaron Patrick Gaskin, grandfather, Robert Lee (Pop) Gaskin, and grandmother, Willa Dean Gammill. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Danny Joe was preceded in death by his grandfather, Doyle Gammill, grandmother, Polly Gaskin, and three uncles, Junior Gaskin, Eddie Gaskin, and Mike Collums. Pallbearers for the service will be Patrick Ousborn, Rodney Johnson, Dillon Mosley, Bill McKogle, Bryson Gunn, and Bubba Biggers. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Edward Blunt, David Perkins, Mark Brown, Ray Collums, Chandler Collums, Payton Collums, Gus Mosely and the EMS crew for Medstat EMS of Ackerman, MS.

▰ Charles G Gaskin

Died June 07, … More Information
Charles G Gaskin, of Mississippi, born in Douglas, Georgia, passed from this world into the next June 7, 2001. Charles was 92.
Obituary published: June 08, 2001 in "MississippiPress"

▰ Carrie L (Magness) Gaskin

Died January 04, … More Information
Carrie L (Magness) Gaskin, age 94 of Florence, Mississippi, passed away peacefully January 4, 2000.
Obituary published: January 05, 2000 in "Statesman (TX)"

▰ Billie Wendell Gaskin

Died November 20, … More Information
Billie Wendell Gaskin, born July 19, 1936 passed from this world into the next November 20, 2013 in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Billie was 77.
Family members and close friends: , Deb Miller, Keith Gaskin, Pam Stout

▰ Alma Ruth Gaskin

Died March 05, … More Information
Alma Ruth Gaskin, born February 9, 1935 departed this life Sunday March 5, 2015 in Mississippi. Alma was 80. Tags: #Floral #Memory #Cherry #Arkansas #Johnson #Dolly #World #Church #Pearl #General #Month #City #Gaskin #Retha #Deana #Bill #Carolyn #Betty #Eric #Steven #Royce #Patricia #Stephanie #Katherine #Joey #Babbin
Obituary: Alma Ruth Johnson Gaskin, 80, passed from this life on , 5, 2015 at her home in Pearl.

Vistation will be 2:00-5:00pm, , 8, 2015 at Baldwin-Lee in Pearl. services are 2:00pm, , 9, 2015 in the funeral home chapel with interment in Floral Hills Memory Gardens.

She was born , 9, 1935 in Cherry Valley, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Sam Johnson and Dolly Guthris Johnson. Ruth was a faithful member of the Win Our World/WOW Church of Pearl. She retired from General Motors after 30 years of dedicated service. Ruth enjoyed gardening and raising flowers and was awarded "Yard of the Month" by the City of Pearl several times over the years.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Ed Gaskin; daughters, Retha Bush and husband Joe, Deana Cole and husband Bill and Carolyn Burt; sister, Betty Jackson; grandchildren, Eric Potts, Steven Bray, Royce Myers, Patricia Williams and Stephanie Morris; and 5 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Katherine Boyd, and grandson, Joey Middleton.

Memorials may be made to the WOW Church, 306 Babbin Wells Rd., Pearl, MS 39208.

▰ Alma Ruth Gaskin

Died March 05, … More Information
Alma Ruth Gaskin, born February 9, 1935 left earthly home and passed through the Veil to her Eternal Home March 5, 2015 in Pearl, Mississippi. Alma was 80.
Family members and close friends: , Ronnie Middleton, Jimmy Gaskin, Billy Gaskin, Ronnie Germany, Crystal Williams, Fred & Pat Solomon, Martha Brady, Terri Phillips, The Staff Of Baldwin-lee Funeral Home

▰ John F Gaskill

Died September 27, … More Information
John F Gaskill, of Gulfport, Mississippi, ascended to heaven into the loving arms of all whom have gone before John September 27, 2013. John was 97.
Obituary published: September 28, 2013 in "Sun-H"

▰ Maria Angela (Pastore) Gasbarro

Died February 26, … More Information
Maria Angela (Pastore) Gasbarro, of Gulfport, Mississippi, entered Heaven's gates on February 26, 2000. Maria was 91.
Obituary published: February 27, 2000 in "San Antonio E-N (TX)"

▰ Troy Gasaway

Died August 23, … More Information
Troy Gasaway, born February 17, 1949 went to be with the Lord on August 23, 2016 in Baldwyn, Mississippi. Troy was 67.

▰ Marion Bernice (Pendergrass) Gasaway

Died March 01, … More Information
Marion Bernice (Pendergrass) Gasaway, of Mississippi, born in Mississippi Co, Missouri, passed away peacefully March 1, 2003. Marion was 60.
Obituary published: March 02, 2003 in "MississippiPress"

▰ Marion Luray Gasaway

Died October 09, … More Information
Marion Luray Gasaway, born December 15, 1935 died on October 9, 2017 in Helena, Mississippi. Marion was 81.

▰ Eddie Lee Gasaway

Died January 16, … More Information
Eddie Lee Gasaway, born January 22, 1954 joined the Lord January 16, 2016 in Fulton, Mississippi. Eddie was 61. Tags: #Verna
Obituary: Eddie was born on 22, 1954 and passed away on , 16, 2016. Eddie was a resident of Fulton, Mississippi at the time of passing. Eddie was married to Verna.

▰ Cora Gasaway

Died December 10, … More Information
Cora Gasaway, of Dennis, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2000. Cora was 87.
Obituary published: December 11, 2000 in "Times-Daily (AL)"
Page ... 21 ...

RootsWeb is a free genealogy community that uses online forums, mailing lists, and other resources to help people research their family history. Founded in 1993 by Brian Leverich and Karen Isaacson as the Roots Surname List, it is the oldest free online community genealogy research website.
Cyndi's List has been a trusted genealogy research site for more than 25 years. Cyndi's List is free for everyone to use and it is meant to be your starting point when researching online.

Search Contact Info
Family Members, Relatives & Friends

Information may include (when available): known aliases or other names, marital status, birth date and age, family members or cohabitants, arrest or conviction history, association with business, work history, professional or business licenses, property records, tax records, litigation history, driver records, and even political party affiliation.