Robert D. Gearhart

Robert Devaine Gearhart, 84, 2201 East St., North Manchester, Ind., passed away at 8:20 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2012, at Timbercrest Skilled Care Facility after many battles with cancer. Born August 24, 1927, in Fulton County, Ind. He was the sixth child of Charles E. and Esther (Yarian) Gearhart. On May 5, 1957, he married Katherine Rose Harris, of Plymouth, Ind. She passed in April of 1997. He served his country in the US Army-Infantry. He was inducted August 13, 1953, at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind. He transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he served 18 months in the 38th Infantry. He was awarded the rank of corporal and received the award of Good Conduct Medal in June of 1955. Then he transferred back to Fort Benjamin Harrison, on June 9, 1955, to serve in the reserves until August 22, 1961. He was a lifetime resident of Disko, Ind. He loved dairy farming and his family. He enjoyed working hard, lending a needed hand, his friends, sitting and talking, playing cards, traveling, working math problems, children, and living a simple life in the country. He was a hard working fair man with a soft heart. People who knew him were glad they had met him, sure he had made a difference in their lives. Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Gearhart, Disko; two grandsons, Randolph Summer Witham, Mentone, James Robert Lee Gearhart, Disko; four great-grandchildren, Kyle Hollingsworth, South Bend, Kalli, Kinnidy, and Khloee Gearhart, Akron; a sister, Gertrude Walker, Chili; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Esther (Yarian) Gearhart; three sisters Jeanette Gearhart, Freda Beigh, and Glendora Hamilton; four brothers, Lee, Donald, Lawrence, and Gerald Gearhart; and a grandson, Robert Odyessues Witham Funeral services will be at10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, Ind., with Julie Walker officiating. Burial services will be at Silver Creek Cemetery, Silver Lake, Ind., with military graveside rites conducted by the VFW and the American Legion Posts both of Rochester. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at Hartzler Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's preferred charity.

Robert D. Gearhart

August 24, 1927 - May 18, 2012