December 31, 1938 - December 2, 2020
Dr. Darwin Everett Gearhart, 81, of Shawnee Hills, Belleville, died Dec. 2, 2020 at the Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital of complications with COVID-19.
He was born Dec. 31, 1938, in McVeytown, the son of Jessie (Laughlin) Gearhart Witzel and Donald E. Gearhart. Surviving are brothers and sisters; Marvin Earl Gearhart and wife Donna, of Dillsburg, Martha Faye Richard and husband David Jr., of Lakeland, Fla., Miriam Ann Jury and husband Robert, of York, and David Lee Witzel and wife Rosemary, of McAlisterville. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and close cousins, as well as his good friend, Lamar Peight.
Dr. Gearhart loved education and graduated from a number of colleges and universities with various degrees, including a doctorate of Theology and a doctorate in Mortuary Science. He retired from teaching at his last teaching assignment at Miami-Dade University, Miami, Florida as head of the Mortuary Science department.
Darwin was a very caring man who tried to make life easier for others. He was a caretaker for his mother until she died in 2014. He held parties at his home for Sunday school classes, family and friend’s birthdays, and celebrated Christmas with youth groups who came to his home to sing.
Darwin loved to travel and had visited many countries around the world as well as many states in the United States. He always had his mother along for trips as they camped various places. When he was no longer able to drive long distances, he employed his friend, Lamar Peight, to drive to the Pacific coast and back to Pennsylvania, stopping at numerous sites he had preplanned, as well as other places he wanted to visit.
When he and his mother were able, they attended the Spring Run Church of the Brethren, McVeytown.
His services will be private and at the convenience of his family. Burial will take place at Spring Run Cemetery in McVeytown with Pastor Kate Gandy officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, Belleville. Online condolences may be offered at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.