Robert William Gast

Robert (Bob) William Gast, age 84, passed away on February 22, 2026, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Born August 3, 1941, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Robert was the son of Charles Edward Gast and Doris Eugenia Gast. He resided in DeWitt, Michigan.

Bob was a driven, dedicated, respectable man with a dry sense of humor, and he lived a fulfilled life marked by steady purpose and deep commitment to others. On November 1, 1986, in East Lansing, Michigan, he married Deanna Gast, and together they built a life rooted in family, community, and service.

Bob proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, stationed at Finland AFB as an A1C working in radar installation. After his military service, he pursued higher education at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science from the College of Social Science in 1971 and a Master of Arts from the College of Education in 1972.

He devoted his professional life to education and mentorship, teaching math at Otto Jr. High School from 1972 to 1983 and at Sexton High School from 1983 to 2005. His impact extended far beyond the classroom through decades of coaching and leadership: Head Coach of East Lansing American Legion Post 205 for 42 years; Lansing Sexton High School Baseball Coach for 17 years; Otto Jr. High School Wrestling Coach for 11 years; Lansing Community College Baseball Coach for 5 years; Lansing Christian High School Baseball Coach for 4 years; and Mason High School Baseball Coach for 3 years.

Bob’s commitment to athletics and community leadership was recognized in many ways. He was a member of the National High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame since 2011 and was also honored in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. He was twice named Coach of the Year in the CAAC and was selected as LSJ Dream Team Coach. He served as President of the Michigan State University Blueline Club for one year and remained a member since 1985. Bob was a member of American Legion Post 205 since 1967 and Commander since 1985, and he also served as a member of the Diamond Classic Selection Committee.

Over the years, Bob lived in Duluth, Minnesota; Lansing, Michigan; and DeWitt, Michigan. Wherever he lived, he carried with him an enduring love of sports and community. Baseball was a lifelong passion, as was Michigan State athletics—especially hockey, football, and basketball—where he was a season ticket holder for all three for more than 30 years. He was also a partial season ticket holder for the Chicago White Sox. Bob became a die-hard Eagles football fan after his favorite player, Walt Kowalczyk, went to play for them. During his time in the military, he was part of a club curling team and even curled with Olympian Bud Summerville. Music also brought him joy; he played in a folk band in Duluth and loved singing along to all genres. He enjoyed collecting memorabilia, particularly sports history items, model fire engines, and German steins.

Bob is survived by his spouse, Deanna (Everson) Gast of DeWitt, Michigan; his children, Charles (Chuck) Zitta and spouse Tracey Zitta, Mitchell (Mitch) Gast and spouse Kathy Hubbard Gast, and Gretta (Gast) Miehlke and spouse Jacob Miehlke; and his grandchildren, Dakota Gast, Montana Gast, Charles Zitta, Michael Zitta, Bella Gast, and Jackson Gast. He is also survived by his siblings, John Slawson (born 2-6-1949) and Linda Coleman (born 6-24-1950), as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Charles Edward Gast (born 3-2-1916, deceased 12-6-1959); his mother, Doris Eugenia (Mitchell) Gast (born 12-31-1920, deceased 1-10-1974); his maternal grandfather, William Hudson Mitchell (deceased 1-11-1972); his maternal grandmother, Lettie (Evans) Mitchell (deceased 5-7-1982); his paternal grandfather, Henry Herman Gast (deceased 7-11-1954); his paternal grandmother, Marguerite Gast (born 10/12/1892, deceased April 1990); his sister, Ruth Ann Slawson (born 2/25/1947, deceased 8-26-2018); and his sister-in-law, Delores (Dee) Slawson (deceased 7-6-2014).

Visitation will be held on April 11, 2026, beginning at 10 am until the memorial service at 11 am at Redeemer Methodist Church, 13980 Schavey Rd, DeWitt, MI 48820. Military Honors will be rendered under the auspices of the American Legion East Lansing Post 205. A Celebration of Life luncheon in Bob's honor will follow.

Memorial donations may be made to the East Lansing American Legion Post 205 Endowment for the Student Veterans Resource Center (AB100853), Michigan State University, 535 Chestnut Road, East Lansing, MI 48824.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan for giving Bob dignity and strength at the end of his journey.

Bob was proud of being a mentor to young people in the classroom and on the field, and his life reflected the enduring values of growth and connection.