Gary T. Gharst, 81, passed into the loving arms of his Savior April 26, 2022.

He was born June 2, 1940, at Woodlawn, the son of Elmer E. and Isabell F. (Blanc) Gharst.

Gary attended first grade in Woodlawn. In 1947, the family moved to their farm in the Lower Banner Community, 1-1/2 miles south of Holton. He attended Lower Banner School from second through eighth grades and then graduated from Holton High School in 1958. Gary states, “I am still learning every day.”

On Aug. 11, 1960, he was married to Leah K. McKinsey. Together, they had three children, Randall R. Gharst, David K. Gharst and Lana M. Lucht.

On Oct. 26, 1993, he married Verda J. Bradley. They made their home in Topeka. For seven years, Gary lived in southern California before moving to McPherson, where he was in the restaurant business. Later, his love of the outdoors took him back to farm investments.

Gary enjoyed hunting, traveling and sports (especially the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas Jayhawks). He especially enjoyed Nascar racing.

Gary trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and followed his profession of faith by being baptized at the First Baptist Church at Holton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Kenneth E. Gharst.

He is survived by his wife, Verda of the home; his three children, Randell R. Gharst, David K. (Tami) Gharst and Lana M. Lucht, all of McPherson; three step-children, Ann R. (Rick) Jones of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kay M. (Jay) Smith of Wetmore and Troy D. (Jenny) Kuglin of McLouth; six grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Glenda Armstrong of Phoenix, Ariz., Delores (Tim) Wells of Saxonburg, Penn., and Mary Lou Williams of Topeka; a sister-in-law, Arlene Gharst-Hinton of Topeka; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be at a later date at Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be given to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society or Topeka Rescue Mission c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

The Sabetha Herald 5/4/2022