WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Charles R. “Charlie” Gearhart, age 74, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2012, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, following complications from surgery.
He was born April 23, 1937, in Three Rivers, a son of Harold and Leona (Parker) Gearhart.
Charlie graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1955, where he was a member of the state champion baseball team. He served his country in U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1958.
On June 6, 1959, he married the love of his life, Mary Goodenough.
Charlie and Mary have lived in Three Rivers their whole life. Upon returning from the service, Chuck began employment at Peterson Spring Corp., then Armstrong Machine Works for 18 years, and eventually retired from G.M. Hydro-Matic, now American Axle, in 2002.
He was a member of the Three Rivers Jaycees, where he and Taylor Snow planted all the trees at Memory Isle Park. He also was a member of the American Legion Post #170 and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Chuck was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to fish, golf with friends at St. Joe Valley, Tigers baseball and U-M football.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and an uncle, Arden G. Gearhart, whose plane was lost during World War II on a mission over France.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife of 52 years, Mary Gearhart of Three Rivers; two sons, Jeff (Louise Brimmer) Gearhart, of Bronson and Scott (Laura McCally) Gearhart of Vicksburg; three brothers, Norman of Alabama, and Richard “Dick” (Joyce) and Robert “Bob” (Kitty), both of Three Rivers; nine grandchildren, April, Jeffrey, Shasta, Kerry, Stetson, Chase, Austin, Alex and Morgan Gearhart; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and special friends, including his morning coffee clutch at McDonald’s.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church. 56050 Buckhorn Road, Three Rivers, with Pastor Karleen Kinker officiating.
Interment will be held in Marcellus Cemetery.
Memorials may be donated to St. John’s Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.
