AKRON – Robert Devaine Gearhart, 84, of 2201 East St., North Manchester, passed away at 8:20 p.m. May 18, 2012, in Timbercrest Skilled Care Facility, after many battles with cancer.
He was born Aug. 24, 1927, in Fulton County, the sixth child of Charles E. and Esther Yarian Gearhart. On May 5, 1957, in Plymouth, he married Katherine Rose Harris, who died in April 1997.
He served his country in the U.S. Army-Infantry. He was inducted Aug. 13, 1953, at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis. He was transferred to Fort Lewis Washington, where he served 18 months in the 38th Infantry. He was awarded the rank of corporal as well as received the award of Good Conduct Medal in June 1955. Then he transferred back to Fort Benjamin Harrison June 9, 1955, to serve in the Reserves until Aug. 22 1961.
Living most of his lifetime in Disko, 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.
Surviving are a daughter, Barbara Gearhart, Disko; two grandsons, Randolph Summer Witham, Mentone, and James Robert Lee Gearhart, Disko; four great-grandchildren, Kyle Hollingsworth, South Bend, and Kalli, Kinnidy and Khloee Gearhart, all of Akron; a sister, Gertrude Walker, Chili; and many nieces and nephews. He also was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Jeanette Gearhart, Freda Beigh and Glendora Hamilton; four brothers, Lee, Donald, Lawrence and Gerald Gearhart; and a grandson, Robert Odyessues Witham.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Julie Walker officiating. Burial will be in Silver Creek Cemetery, Silver Lake, with military graveside rites by members of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts, both in Rochester. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
***** Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be made to www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
