Obituaries

Raymond Gerhart

Photo of Raymond Gerhart
Raymond Francis Gerhart, 83, of California, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2011, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. He was born April 2, 1927, the youngest of eight children of Thomas Nicholas and Mary Elizabeth (Bailey) Gerhart, both of whom preceded him in death. On March 3, 1945, he married Anna Ruth Rohrbach, who preceded him in death on May 17, 1998. He was baptized at First Baptist Church in California, where he was a faithful member until his death. At various times, Raymond worked as an electrician, machinist, salesman, and millwright. In his early years, he owned a gas station and a furniture and appliance store. His last business was Gerhart Backhoe and Foundation. He retired in 1987. He is survived by three sons, Larry and wife Janice of Lee's Summit, David and wife Tammy of Columbia, and Norris and wife Lesley of California; three daughters, Linda and husband Ben Tindle of Hallsville, Joyce and husband Larry Lierman of Independence, and Nancy and husband Dennis Bochat of Jefferson City; one daughter-in-law, Anne Gerhart of Leawood, Kan.; one sister, Margaret Woolf of Lee's Summit; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife, Raymond was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers; and by one son, Leland. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services in California. Burial will be in California City Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Greg Morrow. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to California City Cemetery, c/o Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak, California, MO 65018. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California.

Published January 11, 2011