Norman Ray Gerhart (Pete), 88, passed away peacefully June 21, 2014 in Springfield, MO. He was born November 12, 1925 in Springfield, MO to Henry and Lottie Gerhart. He was united in Marriage to Wilma L. Lee on January 31, 1947 in Columbia, KS.
Norman was a Rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1944 to 1946, Hdqr Sqdn 44 Flight Group 171, serving in the South Pacific Theater of Operations and Occupation of Japan, followed by service in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves from 1947 to 1949. Following the service he became a fireman for the Springfield Fire Department, obtained his Master Plumbing License and built houses. He then worked for Lily Tulip for 23 years, owned and operated a gas station and convenience store and later worked for Burlington Northern Railroad retiring after 16 years. Norman was a 50 year member of Masons United Lodge No. 5. He was also a farmer and enjoyed raising Black Angus and Charolais cattle and Shetland ponies.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of 67 years; his sisters, Geraldine Hill and Gladys Dickey; son, Ronald Gerhart; daughters, Scarlett Freeman and her husband Randy, Kathryn Newberry, Jacqueline Gerhart and Anita Gerhart; 5 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Henry Gerhart Jr.; sister, Pauline Smith and great-grandson, Alex Davis
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from 6:00 till 8:00 pm at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at White Chapel, 5234 W State Hwy EE (Division), Springfield, MO. Service will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 10:00 am in the funeral home. Interment will be in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.