Marvin Albert Gast

Marvin Albert Gast of Emporia died on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia at the age of 91.

Marvin was born on April 24, 1934, in Conception, MO., the son of Albert Valentine and Margaret Mary (Meyer) Gast.  He married Mabel F. Johnson in Ottawa, Kansas on August 18, 1962.  She died on May 31, 2022, in Emporia.

He is survived by his daughters; Nancy (Dale) Shearer, Council Grove, Kansas, and Ginger (Dave) Redeker, Emporia, Kansas, grandchildren; Casey (Liz) Barnaby, Eric (Micalah) Barnaby, Morgan, Logan & Payten Redeker, Jake & Michael (Lacey) Shearer, great-grandchildren; Mason & Maddyn Barnaby, Daphnie & Lincoln Barnaby, Conner, Karter, Kade & Dallas Shearer, Baylor & Banks Heins; brothers, Robert Gast of Olathe, and Terry Gast of Ottawa; sisters, LouAnn Korbe and Marilyn Ullery both of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mabel Gast, both parents, and brothers Lawrence & Ronald Gast, and grandson, Justin Barnaby.

Marvin enlisted in the US Army in 1957 and served until being honorably discharged in 1963. He worked various construction jobs before retiring from the Kansas Turnpike Authority. He was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Bluestem Swingers Square Dance Club. His favorite title was "grandpa" and he enjoyed spending his free time with his family and friends, woodworking, and gardening. Marvin did not know a stranger and could carry on a conversation with anyone. He was a devout Catholic and will be remembered for his ornery personality and selflessness.

The Rosary will be recited at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. The family will receive friends following the Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Church in Emporia on Friday May 9, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. with burial following at the Sacred Heart Cemetery with Military Honors by Ball-McColm Post #5 American Legion and Lowry-Funston Post #1980 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

A memorial has been established to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo, with contributions sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.