Charles David Garst was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on January 28, 1926. He was the son of Herman S. Garst and Elna (Helm) Garst. He grew up in Okmulgee where he attended school. He graduated from Okmulgee High School. After high school graduation, he furthered his education by attending Oklahoma State University where he received his B.A. degree. After college, Charles was employed with Phillips Petroleum Company where he held the title of Compensation Manager in Employee Relations. He retired after many years of loyal service in 1985. Charles and Mary Jean Bishop were united in marriage on September 5, 1947 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and they made their first home in Bartlesville. Mrs. Garst preceded him in death in August of 2001. Charles was a member of First United Methodist Church (now Bartlesville First Church). He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club, Bartlesville; Board member of the Salvation Army for many years and was a bell-ringer at Christmas time; member of Elks Club; Philanthropic volunteer for Bartlesville through the Salvation Army and First United Methodist Church. Charles was also known to be a very devoted family man. He was preceded by his wife, Mary "Jean"; and his sister, Martha Free. He is survived by his children, Dick Garst and his wife, Rossalin, of Chaing Mai, Thailand, Lynn Garst and his wife, Deborah, of Loveland, Colorado and Janet Smith and her husband, Tony, of Plano, Texas; three grandchildren, Geoffrey Garst, M.D., M.P.H, of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Tyler Garst of Loveland, Colorado and Lauren Smith of Dallas, Texas; and several nieces and nephews and other family members.
Service Details
Tuesday, August 26th, 2014 10:00am