Obituary of R. Dewey Gearhart

R. Dewey Gearhart was born on October 10, 1918, in Shaw, Kansas to Will and Mary Gearhart. He passed away September 11, 2014, at Windsor Place Nursing Home in Coffeyville, KS. Dewey attended Erie schools before going to work for J.C. Penney in Junction City, KS where he met his future bride, Betty Brockman. They were married 71 years before she passed away on June 30, 2014. Dewey and Betty lived briefly in Eldorado, KS and Guymon, OK but had lived primarily in Coffeyville since 1948. Dewey worked for J.C. Penney, Litwin's Department Store, Bergman Neon and Wyeth Hardware. He had a lifelong love for driving, which he was able to enjoy being a salesman. He further pursued it after retirement by driving foster children around the state for SRS. Dewey and Betty loved to travel by car and took many trips, sometimes spontaneously. He continued driving until the age of 93. He was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Coffeyville, the Keystone Sunday School Class and served as head usher as well as in other positions within the church. He was active with the Salvation Army, Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, a dinner club and a square dance club. His passion was to help others as demonstrated by the many people he helped through difficult times as well as his extended family and many friends. Dewey grew up on a farm and learned many skills that served him well throughout his life. He was a gifted mechanic and could fix just about anything. He maintained lifelong friendships and always had a good sense of humor. He told a good story and people loved to be around him. Dewey was a dedicated husband to Betty and lovingly cared for her throughout her 5 year battle with Alzheimer's. Dewey was predeceased by his wife, his parents, a brother and a sister. He is survived by his children, Linda Meeds (husband Steve) of Joplin, MO; Larry Gearhart (wife Brenda) of San Antonio, TX; and Lois Gladstone (husband Steven) of Overland Park, KS. He is also survived by his sister, Neva Richard of Erie and grandchildren Shelley Meeds of Little Elm, TX; Angie Meeds of Houston, TX; Jason Gearhart (wife Kathy) of Live Oak, TX and Sherice Gearhart of Omaha, NE. Dewey's McDonalds coffee buddies provided him daily friendship and joy. He wanted to thank them as honorary Pall Bearers. They are Glen Barlow, Jack Powell, Norman Drews, Georgia Yadon, Connie Mendoza, Clancy Tosh, Jim Tibbets, Ron Madron and Earl Rutherford. Friends may call on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Monday at the First United Methodist Church from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 304 W. 10th in Coffeyville Monday, September 15th at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Nicole Schwartz officiating. Following the service, burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's Association, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the American Kidney Fund in Dewey's name; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.