Wayne Cody Garst, 79, of Salem, passed away in his home on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 with his wife and children surrounding him.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who was happiest when spending time with his family, working in his woodshop, and serving his church. He was a long-time member of Green Hill Church of the Brethren where he assumed roles as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and the Virlina District Disaster Response coordinator.
Born in Roanoke County, Wayne graduated from Andrew Lewis High School, attended Bridgewater College and received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Virginia Tech. After graduation, he spent 30 years working for Virginia Tech as part of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service in various posts throughout the state, primarily in Southeast Virginia and on the Virginia Tech campus. After his retirement from Cooperative Extension in 1990, he returned to the work he enjoyed mostserving as the director of several camps, including: Camp Bethel in Fincastle, VA; the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center in Moneta, VA; and the Airfield 4-H Educational Conference Center in Wakefield, VA.
Wayne was preceded in death by his grandparents, Miller and Berta Garst and Sam and Ada Cody; and his parents, Theron and Rhea Garst. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jean Garst; children, Betsy Cossaboon (David) and Barry Garst (Stephanie); brother, Samuel Garst (Jeanette); grandchildren, Ian Cossaboon, Daveon Cossaboon, Tre Cossaboon, Savannah Garst, and Laurel Garst; two special family additions, Wouter Wehberg and Ifeanyi Onyekaba; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Brenda and Paul Jenkins; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lenny and Donna Wright; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Green Hill Church of the Brethren (2699 Harborwood Rd, Salem, VA 24153), Camp Bethel (328 Bethel Rd, Fincastle, VA, 24090) or Airfield and Skelton 4-H Centers. To donate to the 4-H Centers, please make checks payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation, 902 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24061 and include Wayne Garst Memorial Gift and the 4-H Center name you wish to support in the memo line.
Wayne and his family would like to give special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice for their excellent care, service, and professionalism.
The family will receive friends at Green Hill Church of the Brethren on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 10 a.m. with a memorial service at 11 a.m. to follow.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 10:00am,
GREEN HILL CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
2699 Harborwood Dr.
Salem, VA 24153
Service Information
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 11:00am,
GREEN HILL CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
2699 Harborwood Dr.
Salem, VA 24153
