Eugene Donald “Gene” Karst, 88, of Russell, passed away on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.
Gene was born on April 4, 1935, in Galatia. He was the son of Theodore and Rebecca (Morgenstern) Karst. At the age of 10, his family moved to Russell where he attended schools. He graduated from Russell High School in 1953. He then attended two years at Fort Hays State University.
Gene was united in marriage to Janice (Langhofer) Jack on March 22, 1953. This union was blessed with three sons Steven, Darrell and Audie. Later, Gene and Janice divorced. He was united in marriage to Vera F. Stewart on Aug. 24, 1971. They made their home in Russell. Vera preceded him in death on Aug. 20, 2009. Later, he developed a close relationship with Carol McKenna.
Gene was the owner and operator of the Gene’s Service Station in Russell from 1964 to 2000 when he retired. He also owned the Handy Car Wash and Easy Muffler Shops located mainly in western Kansas. He was a professional Photographer and did many shoots for Race Way Photos. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Russell. He also belonged to the Russell Elks Lodge, the Amateur Trap Shooting Association and the Kansas Trap Shooters. He had many hobbies throughout his life being an owner and pilot of many planes, restoring vintage cars, raising bird dogs, hunting, golfing and collecting guns.
Gene’s surviving family includes his two sons, Steven Karst (Deb) of Russell and Darrell Karst of Russell; step-children, Terry Branick (Joe) of Overland Park, and Clay (Karen) Stewart of Great Bend; companion, Carol McKenna of Russell; 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vera; son, Audie Karst; sister, Lillian (Karst) Shelton; a grandchild; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Gene will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Gene’s name has been established with Russell Youth Trap Shooting Team in care of Pohlman-Varner- Peeler.
A private burial of ashes will take place at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.