Gary Gharst 1940-2022
Gary T. Gharst, 81, Topeka, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Tuesday, 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, 1½ 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, and his three children, Randall R. Gharst, David K. Gharst (Tami) and Lana M. Lucht, all of McPherson; three stepchildren, Ann R. Jones (Rick), Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kay M. Smith (Jay), Wetmore, and Troy D. Kuglin (Jenny), McLouth; six grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Glenda Armstrong, Phoenix, Ariz., Delores Wells (Tim), Saxonburg, Penn., and Mary Lou Williams, Topeka; a sister-in-law, Arlene Gharst-Hinton, Topeka; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be held at a later date in Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society or Topeka Rescue Mission, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
