William E. 'Bill' Gearhart
February 10, 2020 at 10:14 p.m.
By -
Being one of 18 children, Bill understood what it meant to be a family. Growing up together in a big household, Bill and his siblings have many stories to share of mischief, laughter and lots of love. Still carrying on the Gearhart legacy are his sisters, Dorothy, Ruth, Sharon and Joan; and his brothers, Larry and Roger.
In February of 1951, Bill married Phyllis Gearhart, whom he loved dearly. They planted roots in Akron, where they shared their life and love with three wonderful daughters: Lynne (Larry) Kline, Janice (James) Saner and Patti (Robert) Newman, whom all still live close by.
Of all the things he had done, he was most proud of his daughters and their families. He was faithful at stopping by for a quick visit, showing up on every family birthday and listening to or watching various sporting events while cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helping to carry on those traditions are grandchildren, Bridget (Chuck) Bussard, Melissa (David) Belcher, Keith (Dacy) Newman, Tara Ott, Andrew Parker, Kristen (Tracy) Horrell, Jayme (Ashton) Patterson-Boocher, Amy Craig, Kayla (Kris) Hughes and Alex (Breanna) Newman, along with 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was proud of his duty and service to the country. Upon returning home, he began working on the Erie Lackawanna railroad and fondly recalled his days of hard work. He was proud to be such a part of history.
After his days on the railroad, Bill took up construction. He began building many houses in Akron, all which still look beautiful today and are a reminder to family and friends of his craftsmanship and legacy.
In his later years, Bill also shared his life with his partner, Sue Daine, where he raised large gardens of vegetables and fruit to share with others, much like his parents did when he was growing up.
He loved in such quiet ways, unless it was rooting on his faithful Cubbies or Indiana Hoosiers. You never talked to Bill or stopped by for a visit without a sports game being heard loudly throughout the house. Bill also had a fondness for taking his chances at scratch-off tickets and the casino.
Bill was a master gardener. He was known for his many rows of vegetables that he not only ate himself, but gave away to family and friends. Most people would find a pint or two of tomatoes or a couple dozen ears of sweet corn sitting on their front porch steps and they knew that Bill had been there.
Bill was a giver. He helped his friends, his neighbors and his family. Whether it was showering his family with an abundant amount of gifts for Christmas when the grandchildren were little, or showering anyone with vegetables, conversation, a game of cards or the simple candy dish that sat on his side table, he showed his love best when he gave to others.
Family and friends may stop by and share their love and memories of Bill on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Akron Community Center, 815 Rural St., Akron. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., with military honors performed by the Fulton County Honor Guard.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.
*****
Memorials to Tippecanoe Valley Middle School Viking Vittles Program.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
Being one of 18 children, Bill understood what it meant to be a family. Growing up together in a big household, Bill and his siblings have many stories to share of mischief, laughter and lots of love. Still carrying on the Gearhart legacy are his sisters, Dorothy, Ruth, Sharon and Joan; and his brothers, Larry and Roger.
In February of 1951, Bill married Phyllis Gearhart, whom he loved dearly. They planted roots in Akron, where they shared their life and love with three wonderful daughters: Lynne (Larry) Kline, Janice (James) Saner and Patti (Robert) Newman, whom all still live close by.
Of all the things he had done, he was most proud of his daughters and their families. He was faithful at stopping by for a quick visit, showing up on every family birthday and listening to or watching various sporting events while cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helping to carry on those traditions are grandchildren, Bridget (Chuck) Bussard, Melissa (David) Belcher, Keith (Dacy) Newman, Tara Ott, Andrew Parker, Kristen (Tracy) Horrell, Jayme (Ashton) Patterson-Boocher, Amy Craig, Kayla (Kris) Hughes and Alex (Breanna) Newman, along with 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was proud of his duty and service to the country. Upon returning home, he began working on the Erie Lackawanna railroad and fondly recalled his days of hard work. He was proud to be such a part of history.
After his days on the railroad, Bill took up construction. He began building many houses in Akron, all which still look beautiful today and are a reminder to family and friends of his craftsmanship and legacy.
In his later years, Bill also shared his life with his partner, Sue Daine, where he raised large gardens of vegetables and fruit to share with others, much like his parents did when he was growing up.
He loved in such quiet ways, unless it was rooting on his faithful Cubbies or Indiana Hoosiers. You never talked to Bill or stopped by for a visit without a sports game being heard loudly throughout the house. Bill also had a fondness for taking his chances at scratch-off tickets and the casino.
Bill was a master gardener. He was known for his many rows of vegetables that he not only ate himself, but gave away to family and friends. Most people would find a pint or two of tomatoes or a couple dozen ears of sweet corn sitting on their front porch steps and they knew that Bill had been there.
Bill was a giver. He helped his friends, his neighbors and his family. Whether it was showering his family with an abundant amount of gifts for Christmas when the grandchildren were little, or showering anyone with vegetables, conversation, a game of cards or the simple candy dish that sat on his side table, he showed his love best when he gave to others.
Family and friends may stop by and share their love and memories of Bill on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Akron Community Center, 815 Rural St., Akron. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., with military honors performed by the Fulton County Honor Guard.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.
*****
Memorials to Tippecanoe Valley Middle School Viking Vittles Program.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
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