Gary T. Gharst, 81, passed into the loving arms of his Savior April 26, 2022. He was born June 2, 1940 at Woodlawn, Kansas; the son of Elmer E. and Isabell F. (Blanc) Gharst. Gary attended first grade in Woodlawn, Kansas. In 1947 the family moved to their farm in the Lower Banner Community, 1 ½ miles south of Holton, Kansas. He attended Lower Banner School from 2nd - 8th grades and then graduated from Holton High School in 1958. Gary states, “I am still learning every day.”

On August 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 October 26, 1993, he married Verda J. Bradley. They made their home in Topeka, Kansas. For seven years Gary lived in southern California, before moving to McPherson, Kanas, 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, Kansas.

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 Randell 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, Kansas, Troy D. Kuglin (Jenny) McLouth, Kansas; 6 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Glenda Armstrong, Phoenix, Arizona, Delores Wells (Tim) Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, and Mary Lou Williams, Topeka, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Arlene Gharst-Hinton, Topeka, Kansas, and several nieces & nephews.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 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.