Russell Kent Ghast's Obituary
Decatur - Russell Kent Ghast, 81, of Decatur, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2023. Kent was born June 13, 1941, in Greenup, Illinois, the youngest child of Joseph and Elsie (Waterford) Ghast. He graduated from Mattoon High School in 1959, and throughout his life worked as an electrician, both for public utility companies and in business for himself. He was one of the few people who genuinely loved his work and enjoyed every day of his lifelong career. A loving father, he enthusiastically supported the interests of his children by spending countless hours playing catch in the yard, coaching sports teams, and driving show choir gear to competitions across the country. In his later years he enjoyed rebuilding and restoring antique cars and hot rods, and delighted in working on them in garages and showing them at local festivals and fairs.
Kent married Linda Carrell of Mattoon, IL, his beloved wife of 54 years, in 1963. Together they have three children: Shelley (Alan) Nielsen of Scottsdale, AZ, Douglas Ghast of Granite City, IL, and Christopher (Sunny) Ghast of Ft. Wayne, IN, and six grandchildren: Zachary, Caroline, Ann Marie, Natalie, Logan, and Sam.
Kent is survived by all of his children, grandchildren, and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and his wife.
A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11:00am at Graceland Fairlawn Cemetery, 2901 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL.
His children request that, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Kent’s name be made to The Community Foundation of Macon County for the Michael T. Carrigan Scholarship to assist new electrician students and apprentices. Mail donations to 101 S. Main Street, Suite 400, Decatur, IL 62523. Online donations can me made at https://cfmc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2506
What’s your fondest memory of Russell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Russell?
Share a story where Russell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Russell you’ll never forget.
How did Russell make you smile?