John King Oast, 81, passed away on May 22, 2016.
A native of Portsmouth, he was the son of the late Judge William H. Oast, Sr. and Martha King Oast. John was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Washington and Lee University.
John began his banking career with Merchants and Farmers Bank and continued with several community banks until his retirement from what is now Wells Fargo Bank. He was also a proud member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Commander.
John loved sailing and was past Commodore of the Portsmouth Boat Club. He was a member of the Masonic and Shrine lodges, and past president of the United Way of Portsmouth. He was a 45-year member and past president of the Portsmouth Rotary Club and was named their Rotarian of the Year for 1991-92. He was also a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Benefactor.
He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Ann Rose Oast; his sister, Alice Tabb Oast Morse; and his brothers, William H. Oast, Jr. and Townsend Oast. He is survived by his daughter, Beth Oast Williams and her husband Rolf of Norfolk; and his son John Oast, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Bloomsburg, PA. He leaves four treasured grandchildren: Kelsey Williams, Rose Oast, Rolf Williams, Jr. and Lila Oast. He also leaves behind many dear family members, friends and caregivers who valued his wry sense of humor and love of the Washington Redskins.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, in Olive Branch Cemetery, Portsmouth, officiated by The Rev. James Medley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Dr., Chicago, IL 60693. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.