Eugene Omasta

Eugene Omasta, age 89, from Troy, Alabama died on Sunday, April 28, 2024.  Funeral services will be at 11:00am at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Friday, May 3, 2024, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  
Gene was born in Pennsylvania on July 18, 1934, to Joseph and Stephanie Omasta whose parents immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia.  He began his education in a one room schoolhouse in Pennsylvania through eighth grade. After high school, he proudly served in the US Navy before going on to graduate with his Bachelors and Master's degree in Applied Mathematics from Auburn University. He concluded his academic journey with a PhD in Physics from the University of Iowa.  A dedicated and passionate professor, his students at Troy University awarded him the Ingall’s Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching. He served as State Director of the Alabama Junior Academy of Science, and President of the Alabama Academy of Science.  
Gene played an active role in various ministries in the community and at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He served on the church vestry, the jail ministry team, Habitat for Humanity, the Pike County American Heart Association, as well as President of the Pike Teachers Credit Union. 
Outside of his professional life, he enjoyed playing the accordion, sailing, and traveling with his wife, friends, and family. 
Eugene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Kathrine “Kathy” Nichols Omasta; brother, Joseph Omasta (Dee); sister, Rose Marie De Szendeffy (Stephen); children, Debra Cox (Gary) and Mark Omasta (Amy); 5 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry Omasta; and grandson, Angelo.  Teaching was his passion.  Sailing was his past time, and his family was his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Habitat for Humanity or the Pike County American Heart Association.  The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Omasta family.