Albert "Roy" Gharst

Albert “Roy” Gharst accepted God’s call to join him on July 16, 2024, after a four-month illness of strokes. The Long Term Care team and Hospice kept him comfortable during his illness.

Roy was born March 31, 1942, to Leroy “Dale” and Mildred Wakefield Gharst at their home east of Wakefield, Illinois. Roy graduated from West Richland School in 1960. He was proud to serve his country at the Granite City, Illinois, Army Depot from 1961-1964 as a personnel specialist.

Roy worked for different companies in the finance world, retiring from Heights Finance in Effingham, Illinois. Mutual funds were a hobby to him, always following the markets. Roy loved all sports, loved golf and basketball in his retirement. The beach was another passion, thus purchasing a condo at Ponce Inlet, Florida. He had a great sense of humor always enjoyed by family and friends.

He is survived by his fiancé Diana Weaver, her daughters Julie (Doug) Miller and Michelle (Greg) Drake; one sister Carol (Joy) Hazel; nephew Mark (Lori) Hazel; brother-in-law Doug Neller; nephews Matthew and Bob, also several great-nephews and niece.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn Neller and niece DeAnn Hazel Richardson.

A private burial was held July 18, 2024, at the Wakefield Cemetery with Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home assisting the family.