Keith Gastel

Keith John Gastel, 69, Lamar, MO, passed away June 29, 2012 at Barton County Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Keith was born May 23, 1943, Lamar, MO, to Leonard and Gladys Patterson Gastel. After graduating from Jasper High School, class of 1961, Keith joined the Navy where he served his country from 1961 to 1966. After leaving the Navy he worked for Clarkson construction where he did road work in the Kansas City area. In 1967, Keith married Mary Lou Thrasher. To that union were born five children. Throughout the years Keith was involved in many businesses and occupations. He owned and operated the Gastel saw mill, did logging and bought and sold timber. He farmed and operated a bulldozer. In 1989, Keith married Judy Colaw. They enjoyed competing with each other in gardening and bringing their produce to the farmers markets in Pittsburg and Lamar. In 2001, Keith lost his left arm in an accident at the saw mill. However, there was little time lost before he and his friends built a prosthesis that allowed him to work, operate his equipment, drive and perform the activities of his daily life. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lamar. Keith was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Larry Wayne Gastel; a daughter, Melissa Marie Gastel; and a step-son Tarin Colaw. He is survived by his wife, Judy Gastel, of the home; son, Leonard Gastel and wife, Vicki, of Sheldon, MO; son, Chuck Gastel, of Carterville, MO; son, Nick Gastel and wife, George, of Webb City, MO; daughter, Abby Mazariegos and husband, Elmar, of Carthage, Mo; step-daughter, Cara Boucher and husband, Clint, of Webb City, MO; step-son, Darek Colaw and wife, Cami, of Lamar,MO; step-daughter, Kendall Schlichting and Matt Heumader, of Springfield, MO; five grandchildren, Andrea, Keith, Charlie, DiAngelo and Tatiana; two step-grandchildren, Jaclyn and Rachel; brother, Dwight Gastel and wife, Kaye, Golden City, MO, Richard Gastel and wife, Ellen, of Jasper, MO, Gary Gastel and wife, Carolyn, of Lamar, MO, James Gastel and wife, Jeannie, of Jasper, MO, Kenny Gastel and wife, Arvilla, of Rock Island, Ill; sisters, Doris Little and husband, Ray, Lamar, MO, Janet Diggs and husband, Steve, Lamar, MO; nineteen nieces and nephews. He was loved and respected and will be missed by many.