John E. Karst, 73, of Columbia, died Sunday, March 10, 2019, after a brief illness. Mr. Karst worked with Carolina Steel and Wire and Columbia Trailer Gas Company. He always enjoyed watching professional wrestling.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Lever Harmon Karst; daughters, Melinda Matthews (Mike), Melissa Gregory (Edward), and Laura Karst; step-children, Tammy Edwards (John), Kenneth Bernard Harmon, Johnny Hood Harmon, Elizabeth Harmon, Gabriel Shawn Harmon and Jessee Allen Harmon (Linda); nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister; Ottila Bowers.

A graveside service for Mr. Karst will be held 10 o'clock, Friday, March 15th at Celestial Memorial Gardens, 3111 Delree Street, West Columbia. The family will receive friends following the service at the graveside. Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, is in charge.