Bernard Edward Gast

Bernard Edward Gast, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, Bernard was the son of the late Francis Joseph Gast and Mary Elizabeth Gast.

Bernard spent his early years in Leavenworth, where he graduated from Jarbalo High School in 1957. During his high school years, he was an active participant in basketball, drama, and even drove a school bus route. His passion for farming led him to a lifelong career as a farmer in Burlington Junction, Missouri, where he moved with his young family in 1964 after marrying Mary Letha McEvoy on November 15, 1958. Bernard and Mary later divorced in 1993.

A proud member of the Army Reserves, Bernard was also deeply involved in his community. He was a dedicated member of the Kiwanis, St. Benedict Parish, and the Community Betterment Board. His contributions to agriculture were recognized when he was named part of the Outstanding Farm Family of Nodaway County in 1970 and received the Missouri State Farm Management recognition in 1985.

Bernard's love for farming and all things agriculture-related was evident in his active participation in the Burlington Junction Fire Department and his leadership roles as Board Member and President at St. Benedict's Catholic Church. His commitment to community service and agriculture left a lasting impact on those around him.

Bernard is survived by his children: Mike (Sandy) Gast of Maryville, MO; Tim Gast of Arlington, TX; David (Gail) Gast of Burlington Junction, MO; Annette (Leslie) Hill of Maryville, MO; and Gary Gast of Maryville, MO. He also leaves behind his sisters, Cecelia Wilmes and Freida Meier, and brothers, Alfred Gast, Harry Gast, and Louis Gast. Bernard was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his long-time companion Dorothy Manning, and siblings Elizabeth Mercier, Francis Gast Jr., Henrietta Bradley, Stephen Gast Sr., Christina Asbury-Thompson, Clara Darrow, Herman Gast, Vincent Gast, and Lucy White.

A Rosary will take place at St. Gregory's Catholic Church on December 9, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM with a Visitation to follow at the same location from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Gregory's Catholic Church on December 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Arrangements are being handled by Bram Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Bernard Edward Gast will be remembered for his dedication to family, community, and the land he loved. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.