Thomas Otto Karst Ph.D.

1938 - 2016

KARST
Thomas Otto PhD
Thomas Otto Karst unexpectedly passed away on September 4, 2016, in Port Clinton, Ohio. Born in Toledo, Ohio to Marie Beck Karst and Otto Thomas Karst on February 19, 1938. He was a 1956 graduate of Toledo Central Catholic High School. He married his high school sweetheart, and true love, Barbara Ann Hirschle on December 30, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio. Barbara preceded Tom in death, leaving a huge void in our lives that just got bigger. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family is a legacy we plan to continue. Tom always had a love of music and education. He attended The Ohio State University as a Music Major, playing the Alto Sax, but he enjoyed playing many instruments, and we loved to listen.
The arrival of babies had Tom rethink his career path, and he became interested in Child Psychology. Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960, a Master of Arts in 1962 and his PhD in 1966, all from The Ohio State University, which he loved dearly. His pursuit of higher education took him and the family to Mattapoisett, Massachusetts (University of Brockton) and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Temple University) before he brought the family back to Toledo and a rewarding career at the Medical College of Ohio. There Tom served as the head of the Psychology Dept. He worked there from 1973 to 1993. Tom loved teaching and practicing Child Psychology. He treasured getting drawings from the grandchildren. We knew he was analyzing them to ensure they were on track for their psychological development!
He was a founding Member of Bittersweet Farms, an Autistic Community for young adults. He was a published author, mentor and friend to many. Tom believed in a strong work ethic, and often told stories of his paper route or working with his father at the grocery store at a young age. He taught us to work for what you want, and to value what you have. In addition to music, Tom loved to sail in his younger years, was an avid reader, especially about history and politics, and he enjoyed spending time watching golf and other sports.
Tom is survived by his son, Kenneth; daughters, Laura, Linda, Sarah, their husbands Paul Sturton, Mark Stone, Robert Nicholson; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol Karst Brenneman Walker, Judy Karst Myers and husband Jerry; brothers-in-law, Carl and John Hirschle, their wives Judy and Janelle; many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
A Funeral mass and memorial service will be held Friday, September 9, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Port Clinton, Ohio. Officiate is Father John Missler. Interment will be at Christy Chapel Cemetery, Port Clinton, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to create a memory with someone you love, and raise a toast to Tom. Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory has assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences maybe shared with Tom's family at
walkerfuneralhomes.com
As published in The Blade