Stephen L. Karst, 75, of Columbia City, died at 7:12 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City, where he had been a resident since May 7th.

He was born October 13, 1945, in Alexandria, Louisiana, a son of the late Carl Wade Stoner and Jean L. (Kreider) Stoner. Growing up in South Whitley, he graduated from South Whitley High School.

On October 28, 1965, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He became a heavy equipment operator serving at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He received his honorable discharge on October 27, 1967, and completed his reserve service in October 1971.

Working in the transportation industry for his work career, he began driving a truck for the Columbia Dairy, then moving to Jet Air Freight in Fort Wayne, where he became a dispatcher. Moving into management, he worked in the transportation business in Toledo and southern California until his retirement. He moved to Columbia City in early 2020.

In his younger years, he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with his daughter and playing golf whenever possible. He was always ready for a good poker game; he regularly met with his friends at the Legion Post or VFW, where they shared good conversation before, during, and after their game. In his senior years, he liked to watch old Westerns and enjoyed his morning coffee on the porch with his faithful dog, Buddy, at his California home.

Surviving is a daughter, Lisa Minnick of Columbia City; grandchildren, Mathew Russell, Brittany (Brandon) Russell-Sorg, Devin (Jessa Marchand) Russell, and Annamarie Russell; a great-grandchild, Zander Sorg; and two aunts, Marty Walters of Rochester and Judy Cordill of Mishawaka.

A memorial service and burial at the South Whitley Cemetery will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Preferred memorials in Steve's honor are to American Legion Post 98, Columbia City.