Tom Gast

Tom Gast, 86, died, following an extended illness,  at 10:42 a.m., on January 1, 2000, at his residence, 626 Ferndale Ave., Plymouth,  where he had lived for one year.   Tom was a resident of  Grovertown, Ind.,  for 35 years having moved there from Valparaiso.

Tom was born in Valparaiso on July 18, 1913, the son of Andrew Thomas and Hanora J. Fitzgerald Gast.  He attended Wheeler High School.

On April 14, 1941, in Valparaiso, Tom and Edna M. Plummer were married. Edna preceded Tom in death on March 14, 1993.

A farmer, Tom retired in 1977.  He enjoyed being outside, working in his garden and walking in the woods with his dogs. He appreciated and was knowledgeable in models and makes of antique cars.

He was a member of the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Hamlet, Indiana.

Tom is survived by two sons and a daughter.  His sons are  John T. and Sharon Gast, Valparaiso, and Evan R.  and Darla Gast, Lakeville.  Janet R. and William Ricks, Tom’s daughter, lives in Francesville, Ind.

Fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren survive as well, together with three sisters: Ellen  Ritz, Katherine Christy and Frances Shearer, all of Valparaiso.

His parents, a son, Earl W. Gast and two brothers, Edward and Gerald Gast, preceded Tom in death.

Friends may visit Tom’s family on Tuesday, January 4, 2000, from 4 to 8 p.m., E.S.T., in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.  A Rosary Service will be held Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. E.S.T.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, January 5, 2000, at 11 a.m., E.S.T., in the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Hamlet, Ind.  The Rev. Father Anthony Spanley will officiate.

Burial will be in St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Valparaiso, Ind.

Memorial gifts in Tom’s name may be made to the Marshall County Hospice.