John Allen Garst

John Allen Garst, 87, of Roanoke, Va., died peacefully on Thursday, July 15, 2010, with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law by his side. He was born on July 17, 1922, to the late Ira Allen and Cassie Jamison Garst. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Allen Garst Jr.; brother, Robert Garst; and sister, Polly Lucas. Mr. Garst served in the Navy during World War II with the submarine repair group and on the Aircraft Carrier Valley Forge during the Korean War. He was a member and deacon at Green Ridge Presbyterian Church. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Betty Crawford Garst; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Butch Staples; and sister, Irene Umphlett (Bob). Mr. Garst was known lovingly as Papa to his grandchildren, Jamie Snead (Patrick), Jason Staples, John Garst III, JoAnna Garst and Stephanie Peck (Caleb); and two greatgranddaughters, Aubrey Snead and Hallie Garst. The family would like to thank his special caregivers, Beth, Amber and Kathy of God Samaritan Hospice. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2010, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. Pattie Sewell. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2010, at Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.