John Gast
May 30th, 1954 - March 9th, 2022
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John's Obituary
John William Gast (67), of Bridgman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 9th, surrounded by his wife and sons. Friends and family are invited to say their final goodbyes on Tuesday, March 15th, at the Lake Township Hall, from 4-6:30 PM. A tribute service will occur from 6:30- 7:00 PM. A final call, commemorating John’s years of service and commitment as a member of the Baroda-Lake Township police department, will take place at the conclusion of the tribute service. A private, family-only, graveside service will occur at Graceland Cemetery.
John was born May 30, 1954 to Evelyn “Pinky” Gast and Leroy Gast in Benton Harbor. A second-generation, lifetime, resident of Bridgman; he graduated from BHS in 1972. After a brief stint as a butcher at Bill’s Food Mart, John began his long, dedicated career in public service. He served as a police officer for 26 years, many as Baroda-Lake Township Chief of Police. Upon retiring the badge, John continued his career as a public servant when he became Lake-Charter Township Supervisor in 2002, a position he served in until his passing. John loved his job and enjoyed referring to himself as “cloaked in immense power” when joking with family and colleagues. As a young man he was a bit on the wild side, but marriage and fatherhood calmed him down, at least a little. Back then he was an avid outdoorsman, spending his free time hunting, fishing, and camping, frequently with his children. In the past few years, he limited himself to fishing, usually with his cousin Jim, but he was always happy to share stories about ‘the old days’.
John is survived by his devoted wife of almost 34 years, Cindy; his sons Owen (Kristen), Duncan, and Cooper Gast; his brother Jeff (Trish) Gast; his cousin Jim Gast; nieces and nephews Amiee (Andrew) Clay, Kelly, and Alex (Abby) Gast and Katie Lutton: great nieces and nephews Ezra Clapsaddle, Kiya Cornelius, and Eliza and Colt Clay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and LeRoy Gast, Uncles Ray, Robert, and Bud Gast, Aunt Marian Gast, and nephew Joshua Lutton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family or via https://gofund.me/0f0160f8. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
John was born May 30, 1954 to Evelyn “Pinky” Gast and Leroy Gast in Benton Harbor. A second-generation, lifetime, resident of Bridgman; he graduated from BHS in 1972. After a brief stint as a butcher at Bill’s Food Mart, John began his long, dedicated career in public service. He served as a police officer for 26 years, many as Baroda-Lake Township Chief of Police. Upon retiring the badge, John continued his career as a public servant when he became Lake-Charter Township Supervisor in 2002, a position he served in until his passing. John loved his job and enjoyed referring to himself as “cloaked in immense power” when joking with family and colleagues. As a young man he was a bit on the wild side, but marriage and fatherhood calmed him down, at least a little. Back then he was an avid outdoorsman, spending his free time hunting, fishing, and camping, frequently with his children. In the past few years, he limited himself to fishing, usually with his cousin Jim, but he was always happy to share stories about ‘the old days’.
John is survived by his devoted wife of almost 34 years, Cindy; his sons Owen (Kristen), Duncan, and Cooper Gast; his brother Jeff (Trish) Gast; his cousin Jim Gast; nieces and nephews Amiee (Andrew) Clay, Kelly, and Alex (Abby) Gast and Katie Lutton: great nieces and nephews Ezra Clapsaddle, Kiya Cornelius, and Eliza and Colt Clay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and LeRoy Gast, Uncles Ray, Robert, and Bud Gast, Aunt Marian Gast, and nephew Joshua Lutton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family or via https://gofund.me/0f0160f8. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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