Robert "Bob" Webster Garst II

Bob was born in Cohoes, New York, to Robert W. Garst and the late Bonnie Lee Garst on October 11, 1965. Bob attended Southeast High School in Bradenton, Florida, and graduated in 1983. He attended Manatee Junior College (now the State College of Florida) on a basketball scholarship, where he earned his Associate in Arts Degree and helped the Lancers win a state championship in 1985. Bob also served as a coaching assistant at Southeast High School when they went to the State Final Four in 1986. Bob went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1988.

Bob’s career began with the State of Florida and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in 1988 in the Jacksonville/St. Augustine region. He would eventually go on to work for the Department of Parks and Recreation for St. John’s County until 2010. After a 2 year period in the private sector, Bob rejoined the Department of Juvenile Justice in 2012 and served until his untimely passing. During his career in public services, Bob tirelessly worked to improve the lives of countless youth and families. Bob was also essential in the lives of the people he worked with and supervised. Bob never turned down an opportunity to assist his co-workers and was always there to share his wit and humor that would brighten each day.

Bob met the love of his life, Katie, in 2002 while playing in the St. John’s County softball leagues. Together, they devoted themselves to raising four incredible children and everlasting memories.

Along the way, Bob also competed in and won many awards in weightlifting. Bob also worked as a professional wrestler and worked in several promotions in the south and on the east coast. Bob absolutely loved the wrestlers he worked with while on the road and would share many entertaining stories. Bob was also a master of the grill and was constantly on the lookout for new and better ways to cook. Bob reportedly spent endless hours watching videos on grilling and put those lessons to work the next time he fired up the grill or smoker. Of course, everyone (family/friends/co-workers) would always reap the benefits of this. Bob was also a devoted fan to both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Jacksonville Jaguars (he always listened to Jaguar radio talk every morning while at work). He also tirelessly kept up with news/current events and enjoyed documentaries, both historical and educational. Bob also loved classic movies and TV shows and was a huge fan of classic rock music. Of course, anyone who knew Bob knew that he loved going to gyms to work-out---so much so that he had membership in several different ones. You can almost say that these places were his “home away from home.”

Bob is survived by his wife, Katherine (Katie) Garst of Bradenton, Florida; his children, Robert (Bobby) W Garst III (19) and Jenna Isabelle Garst (17); his step-children, RJ Eden Noble (Yan) of Orlando, Florida, and Courtney Michaele Noble of Jacksonville, Florida; his father, Robert W Garst of Bradenton, Florida: his brother, Richard Garst (Patricia) of Arcadia, Florida; his brother Ryan Garst (Ashley) of Blairsville, Georgia; nephews, Dylan, Maddon and Richie (Samantha); nieces, Hanna, Alexis and Natalie; his great nephew, Macario; his uncle John Garst of Covington, Georgia; his uncle William Garst (Jan); his many cousins including Holly, John, Cheryl, Cathy, Michael, Leah, DeeDee among others; his mother in law, Dale (Mickey) M. Miller of Jacksonville, Florida; his brother in law, Karl J. Miller of Jacksonville, Florida; and an endless number of friends and colleagues, including Scott Schrader and Todd Gurney in particular with whom he shared so many stories with throughout the years.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Lee Garst, his Father in Law, Herman James Miller, and his uncles, Thomas Edward Moore and Robert James Moore.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bob held at his father’s home on June 21, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, there is a college fund set up for Bob’s children you may help donate to. Please contact the family in regards to how to send the donation.