Gerald Ray "Jerry" Garst

Gerald Ray "Jerry" Garst, 94, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Born on January 19, 1931, in Akron, Ohio, the only child of Raymond Garst and Grace Mills, Jerry lived a long life full of adventure, marked by curiosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to the people and things he loved. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife and college sweetheart of 68 years, Sally Lou McCann and both their sets of parents. They met at Miami University (Ohio), and were inseparable from then on. Sally was the love of his life. They married in 1952, and built a life together rooted in shared values and enduring love. He spent his early years raising four children with her while relocating frequently around the country for work, and afterwards made the most of his retirement years. He had a passion for travel that took him to many corners of the world, always eager to explore new cultures and countries. He and Sally traveled extensively, visiting Europe and the U.K. multiple times, as well as Egypt, Russia and China and they made lifelong friends along the way. Many summers were spent as campground hosts in national parks around the U.S., and Glacier National Park was their favorite. They also loved visiting their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren around the country as often as they could. His generous spirit and dedication to helping others was evident in his volunteer work, giving back to those around him and enriching the lives of others. He and Sally volunteered at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Woodlands, The Woodlands YMCA and helped emerging readers at an elementary school close by, again building lasting friendships with other volunteers. An avid cyclist well into his later years, Jerry embraced physical activity with enthusiasm. He rode his bike religiously every day and could often be found in the weight room or walking around the complex where he lived. He was well known for his signature attire of bike or gym shorts, no matter what, his attention to his routine, and his personal table in the dining room. Jerry loved to cook and loved good food, especially his favorite Bluebell coffee ice cream. A lifelong reader with keen curiosity, he found joy in books of all kinds, especially Agatha Christie mysteries, and encouraged that same passion for reading in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those who knew Jerry will remember his loving, generous nature, his determined outlook, strong will and vibrant spirit — qualities that defined his life and left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. These qualities shaped not only his personal relationships but also the way he approached life’s challenges and triumphs. Jerry is survived by his four children, Gretchen Kellogg (Dennis) of Mesa, AZ, Judy Schuler (Dan) of Houston, TX, Peter Garst (Diana) of Colorado Springs, CO and Fritz Garst of Century, FL. In addition, he was blessed with his grandchildren Elizabeth Pallotto (Steve), Eric Schuler (Victoria), Brendan Garst (Julie), Kristin Garst, Fritzie Garst and Grace Barinaga (Anthony) as well as seven great grandchildren, all of whom he adored. We will all carry his memory in our hearts. May those memories bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all whose lives he touched. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or at www.heart.org.

Gerald Ray "Jerry" Garst

January 19, 1931 - August 22, 2025