John Paul Gast Jr. "Butch"
On Sunday September 15, 2019, at the age of 72, John peacefully went home to be with his Heavenly Father. He left this earth surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle against cancer. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Vickie Lynn Gast and her children, Robert Wayne Downie and Heather Renee Heathman; Loving father to Marcie Elizabeth Gast Rohrbaugh. Grandfather to Ava Rose Diane Rohrbaugh, Stella Grace Rohrbaugh, Jameson Cole Rohrbaugh, in addition to 5 other grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild whom he loved dearly.
Born in Butler Missouri to Florence Virginia Lydia Vogt Gast and John Paul Gast Sr. He was the eldest of 4 children. He is survived by brothers William Arthur Gast, James Edward Gast and sister Debra Louise Gast. They were raised in Cheverly Maryland. John's family later grew to include his sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, all whom made his life full.
He is predeceased by his parents and, son through marriage, Billy Gene Downie.
John was a member of the graduating class of 1965 from Bladensburg High School. He then proudly served his country in the US Air Force, keeping the mighty C-133 transport flying from Tan Sanute air base to Dover air base, bringing soldiers home from 1966-1969. He then went on to have a successful career in the field of computer science.
John and his wife Vickie were married in 2004 and resided in Bowie Maryland. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and will be greatly missed by his church family.
Butch was a friend to all who knew him and could always be counted on, he was always at the ready to serve family and friends, whether it was fixing a car, rewiring electric, or remodeling a bathroom. His acts of service were a blessing to many. He enjoyed anything with an engine, he was a mechanic at heart and loved NASCAR and dragsters. He was happiest under a car or building something, especially if it was for someone else. His strong quiet manner, faith, and sense of humor, provided him a life well lived, and live he did!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD, 21122.
