Loyd Lea Karst

Born September 8, 1924 in Orlando, Florida, Loyd grew up and lived in Orlando his entire life. He graduated from Orlando High School in 1942.

Loyd honorably served his country during World War II in England as a pilot on the B-17 Flying Fortress. His plane was shot down, and he was taken a prisoner of war. He was released upon the end of the war.

When he returned home from the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Gladys Jones in 1945. He entered his father’s citrus caretaking business and worked there his entire life. Along with his loving wife, he raised five children. He was active in Boy Scouts as a troop leader and the United States Power Squadron as an instructor for many years. After raising his children in Orlando, he moved to Umatilla to be near his three daughters. He was an avid boater and loved to share the boating experience with others. He enjoyed gardening and growing plants around his home. He had a thirst for knowledge and read daily to continue learning. However, his greatest enjoyment came from his family and friends. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything else in the world. He was a very kind, loving, and caring person. He loved the young children very much and enjoyed spending time with all the new babies in the family. He had a special way with children, and they seemed to naturally gravitate to him no matter how many adults were present. The most valuable gift he gave his family was his time and patience, and he gave it willingly and freely. When the love of his life passed away in 2005, he struggled to find his way without her, as they loved each other so very much. He led an honorable life and was a wonderful example of what a husband, father, and family leader should be. Unbending integrity, honesty, and generosity were cornerstones of his life. He will be missed but not forgotten by all of us who loved him dearly.

Loyd was preceded in death by two sons, Loyd Karst, Jr “Buddy” and Larry Karst as well as by two great-grandsons, Luke Karst and Michael D. Wells III.

He is survived by his three daughters, Bonnie Wells and husband Mike, Debra McCall and husband Butch, both of Eustis, Florida, and June Stienstra and partner Tom Bassett of Umatilla.

He is survived by ten grandchildren: Shari Christovish, Michael Wells, Jr., Stephanie Driggers, Skip McCall, Michelle Carpenter, Misty Scott, Kelli Gray, Lisa Love, Kim Demers, and John Karst

He is also survived by twenty great-grandchildren: Matthew McCastlain, Corey McCastlain, Shelby McCastlain, Jackson Wells, Hannah Carpenter, Norah Carpenter, Landon Carpenter, Carleigh Scott, Carter Scott, Holly McCall Graham, Jacob McCall, Julia Demers, Caleb Demers, Skyler Love, Christopher Gray, Kaitlyn Gray, Austin Karst, Ashlynn Karst, Kristina Driggers, and Tyler Driggers.