Vernon Gerhart Ast

Vernon Gerhart Ast, 83, of Verona, passed away on Aug. 3, 2026, in Springfield. Born on March 16, 1943, in Cheney, Kan. son of the late Francis John Ast and Margaret Gertrude (Hermes) Ast. 

He graduated from high school in Garden Plain, Kan., in 1961 and attended Pittsburg State University for a year. His professional life was marked by significant contributions, first at Ritchie Brothers in Wichita, and subsequently at Main Street Feed in Verona, where he devoted over thirty years.

A proud veteran, he served in the Army Reserves, embracing the discipline and camaraderie that came with military life. He was a devout member of the Sacred Heart Church in Verona.

In his younger years, he was a proud member of the Wichita Ski Club, traveling to Europe to ski the majestic Swiss Alps and spending countless weekends carving through the slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margaret (Hermes) Ast; and two brothers, Stan and Mike.

He is survived by his brothers, David Ast of Monett, Melvin (Gwen) Ast of Wellington, Kan., Ron Ast of Kingman, Kan., Glenn (Sarah) Ast of Avon, Colo.; sisters, Judy Mertes of Maize, Kan., Linda (Mike) McFerrin of Fort Collins, Colo.

To honor his life, two services are scheduled. A memorial visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, August 15, at Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Rose Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon, Kan., on Thursday, August 20, at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery, with a Rosary beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Monett High School Ag Dept or to St. Rose Catholic Church Capital Fund, honoring hislifelong passion for agriculture and his faith. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett.