Joseph G. 'Shorty' Geist Jr, age 75, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, at his home. He was born on December 14, 1950, in Hays, Kansas to Joseph and Virginia (Klaus) Geist Sr. He married Deborah A. (Zimmerman) and later separated.
Shorty worked in the Ellis and Russell counties oil fields for 20 years then went to Fort Hays State University and was a custodian at Sternberg Museum for 20 years. He was a graduate of Hays High School, a veteran of the U S Army, and he enjoyed fishing.
He is survived by his children, Chad Geist, Hays, KS; Wayne Geist, Hays, KS; Dawn Geist, Hays, KS; his grandchildren, Madison Geist; Caleb Alcala; Jayden Stramel; Ethan Alcala; Hannah Alcala; Paxton Driskill; his great granddaughter, Oakly Geist; his sister, Nancy Seib and her husband, Mike, Hays, KS, his sister-in-law, Susan Geist, Hays, KS.
Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Virginia; his former wife, Deborah; his son, Christipher; and his brother, Henry “Hank”.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Father Fred Gatschet, Officiating.
Inurnment will be at Saint Anthony Cemetery, Schoenchen, Kansas with Military Honors by the Hays V.F.W. Post #9076.
The family suggests memorials paid to: Saint Anthony Cemetery, in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas.
Condolences can be emailed to [email protected] or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com