Robert Edwin 'Bob' Gephart

Robert Edwin “Bob” Gephart, 84, passed away at 11: 15 a.m. March 14, 2014, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, Ind., after a nine year battle with lung cancer. He was born May 23, 1929, in Hammond to Charles Morgan and Opal Naomi (Williams) Gephart. Ann J. Traster and Bob were joined in marriage March 5, 1960, in Fort Wayne. They would share 54 years together. He graduated with the class of 1947 from New Haven High School and in June of 1952 he graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington. He also graduated from Wisconsin School of Banking in Madison, Wisc., in 1965 and the National Graduate Trust School held in Northwestern University in 1971. Beginning Sept. 23, 1952, he proudly served his country during the Korean War with the United States Army. Sgt. Robert E. Gephart was honorably discharged September 22, 1954. He started his banking career at the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Bluffton. This was followed by a period of time with the Comptroller of Currency as a National Bank Examiner; then eight years at the Citizens State Bank in Hartford City and 25 years at the Lake City Bank in Warsaw. He retired in May of 1994 as Senior Vice President and Trust Officer. Living most of his life in Warsaw, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club where he had served as club president and lieutenant governor for the Land of Lakes Division of Indiana Kiwanis. Bob had been a member of Kiwanis for more than 50 years and was the recipient of the Legion of Honor and George F. Hixon Awards. He had previously been president of the Hartford City Kiwanis Club. Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Warsaw, and over the years served in a variety of leadership positions. He took his commitments to his church very seriously. He was active in many Kosciusko County organizations including The American Cancer Society, United Way, life member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Riverwood Ranch, Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council, Warsaw Community Public Library Board, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, a volunteer at the Kosciusko County Literary Services, board member at Mason Health Care Facility, member of American Legion Post #49 and was named Kosciusko County’s 1980 Man of the Year. Flower gardening was Bob's favorite outdoor activity. He and the deer often competed for the same flowers. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed being with people. Bob cherished the time he spent with Ann and the children. He always looked upon family time as the most important time of his life. This period was too short. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Left with hearts full of memories to treasure in addition to his wife, Ann, are a daughter, Cheryl (and spouse Kevin) Giacomini of Northville, Mich.; a son, Mark Gephart, Greenwood; and four grandchildren, Katie and Anna Giacomini and Lillie and Charles Gephart. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marilyn Clark on Jan. 1, 2012, and Eileen Naomi McCormack on Jan. 9, 1991. Family and friends will gather for a time of sharing in support of each other Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, and for one hour prior to the service at the church. A service celebrating the life of Robert Edwin Gephart will take place Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in First United Methodist Church, Warsaw, with Pastors Scott Carmer and Toni Carmer officiating. Burial will be in Oakhill Cemetery, Warsaw. Military honors will be conducted by Warsaw’s American Legion Post #49 and VFW Post #1126 The family has asked that gifts given in memory of Bob be given to one of three recipients: First United Methodist Church, 179 S. Indiana St., Warsaw, 46580; Kosciusko Community Foundation 102 E. Market St., Warsaw and Salvation Army, 501 Arthur St., Warsaw. The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Robert Edwin “Bob” Gephart. Condolences may be sent via titusfuneralhome.com