GARST, DR. VIRGIL PAUL, November 22, 1880 – January 25, 1959
Dr. Virgil Paul Garst, 78, died at his home of carcinoma Tuesday evening.
Dr. Garst, resident of Oneida County for 35 years, was a physician and surgeon and an ardent civic and church worker. He was a life long member of the Presbyterian Church and a ruling elder since 1915. Dr. Garst was examining physician for selectees during both World Wars and served for a number of years as Oneida County physician. He practiced medicine here until illness forced his retirement a year ago.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 51, Malad; a Royal Arch Mason of the Terry, Montana Chapter No. 27; Worthy Patron of Eastern Star Acacia Chapter No. 69; Past Grand Patron of Idaho Grand chapter, Order of Eastern Star; member and past president of Eagles Lodge, Aerie 2041, Malad.
Dr. Garst was a member of the Oneida County school board for three years and through his efforts the hot lunch program at the Malad schools was instigated. He managed the program for a number of years.
An ardent fisherman and hunter, Dr. Garst was also a gardener of note.
Dr. Garst was born at Jonesborough, TN, November 22, 1880, a son of John and Frances Stepp Garst. He was reared and educated at Wonson, MO and married Verlinda Britton at LaPlata in 1910. She died in 1918. He married Frances Landiss at Terry, Montana on August 30, 1922.
He was a graduate of Missouri Valley College at Marshall, MO and the St. Louis University College of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. He interned in 1913 at the St. Louis City Hospital and went to Terry, Montana to practice medicine. During the ten years he spent there he established the first hospital at Terry.
A son, Ralph, who was serving as a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II; was killed in the crash of a Navy plane.
Dr. Garst is survived by his widow, Malad; a son and two daughters, Paul S. Garst, Racine, Wisconsin; Mrs. Margaret Marshik, North Highland, CA; Mrs. Virginia Messer, Minneapolis, MN; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ethel Grebe, Rockport, MO; Mrs. Pearl Marlatte, Monette, MO.
Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian Church Friday with the Rev. Edward Frost officiating. Burial will be at the Malad City Cemetery directed by the Benson Funeral Home.