Gordon Garst

Chester “Gordon” Garst was born October 14, 1946, in Borger, Texas to parents Chester and Stella (Wallis) Garst.

Gordon graduated from West Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in pollical science. He joined the United States Air Force in 1969 where he served as a security police officer at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. After an honorable discharge in 1973 he began his career working for The Travelers in Dallas, Texas. He was transferred to Little Rock, Arkansas where he met and married Betty Parker on March 8, 1974. In 1977 the family relocated to Plano, Texas. Gordon retired from State Farm Insurance Company after a 30-year career as a Claims Manager.

Community service was extremely important to Gordon. He was a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. He played the drum in the Shrine Oriental Band, as well as serving as the captain. He was the president of the Plano Shrine Club and was on the Scottish Rite degree teams.

In retirement Gordon was a facilitator for Journey of Hope, working with high school teens for ten years. He was a member of Custer Road United Methodist Church where he was active in several missions including Care~ Ministry and Legends.

He was a gifted musician playing the guitar and uke. He loved performing skits and playing the drum for audiences at Assisted and Memory Care facilities and was an active member of Seniors on Stage (SOS).

Gordon is survived by his wife Betty, son Steven and daughter in law Michelle Garst; granddaughters Ashley Bawelkiewicz and her husband Josh and Caitlin Garst; sister Treva Miller and many additional family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service celebrating Gordon’s life will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano, Texas officiated by Rev. Dr. Kory Knott.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Journey of Hope Grief Support Center, https://johgriefsupport.org , 3900 W 15th St Ste 306, Plano, Texas 75075 or Shriners Children's Hospital https://donate.lovetotherescue.org , 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Florida 33607or a charity of your choice.