Kenneth Eugene Mast was head athletic coach for Bluffton College
Kenneth Eugene Mast, 99, of Crystal River, FL passed away April 10, 2025, in Lecanto. He was born on February 2, 1926, to Abraham and Esther Mast in Sugar Creek, OH.
Kenneth and family learned to sing and dance in their early years and were featured on the “Major Bowes Original Amateur Hour Radio Show.” He graduated from Sugar Creek High School, OH then joined the US Navy where he served during WWII in Hawaii. During his service, Kenneth enjoyed playing on the basketball team and entertaining the troops with music.
He graduated from Heidelberg College, class of 1950, then became the head athletic coach for Bluffton College in Bluffton, OH from 1951-1967. Kenneth coached golf, basketball, football, and track & field – all sports he excelled in himself. While coaching for the college and with help of many area businessmen he began to develop “Bluffton Golf Course” in OH. He managed 18 holes as well as developing Mast Estates Housing Division with his family for over 10 years . Since that time, Kenneth was a “Life Member” of the PGA Golf Association.
Kenneth has been a 45-year resident of Citrus County where he retired as a teaching professional from the Original School of Golf, Plantation Golf Course in Crystal River and Mt Snow Vermont. During his career, he was head professional in Allen County Golf Course Lost Creek CC as well as 7 Rivers CC in Citrus County, FL. He played many PGA Senior Tour events including wiinning the National Left Hander 1949. Into his late 90s, Kenneth enjoyed picking up range balls and being around the golf course that he loved and spending time with his friend Janice Briggs.
His family and extended family joined together in FL for his birthday each year for a family golf tournament. He had the privilege of going on the Honor Flight for WWII Vets in Washington, DC. Kenneth was inducted into the hall of fame in Bluffton College, Lima Golf Association and Heidelberg College.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years Patricia L. Mast, son Larry E. Mast, sisters Marilyn Mattevi and Wanda Knox.
Kenneth is survived by his children Richard Mast (Roberta), Sandra L. Doan (Jon), Judith McNally (Dennis), and Susan Vanausdal (Jeff) siblings brother Abe Mast (Fran) and sister Bertie Showers; 14 grandchildren, 34 greatgrandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is his companion and caregiver of 12 years, Janice Briggs of Crystal River.
Private cremation is under the direction of Brown Funeral Home & Crematory in Lecanto, FL. Kenneth will have a celebration of life service and will be laid to rest in Sugarcreek, OH at a later date.
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Friday, August 22, 2025
Thursday, August 21, 2025
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Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
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- Previews of Bluffton Senior Center trips for 2026
- English Lutheran Church to provide Community Meal, August 21
- Welcome back to Bluffton Beavers
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