Murle Lee Gearhart

Murle Lee Gearhart’s spirit departed from his earthly body to sleep in Jesus, on June 15, 2017.

Born Sept 23, 1920 at Iola, Kansas to John and Ruby (Anderson) Gearhart. He spent his early year attending school in the Chanute Kansas area.

Murle enlisted in the Army in 1942, where he served in battle and campaigns of Normandy, Rhineland, Northern France, and Central Europe. Receiving an EAME Theater Ribbon and four Bronze Service Stars, an American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Metal.

He was honorable discharge on November 20, 1945 then reenlisting on the same day as a Military Escort to bring his World War II fallen comrades back to their families. Honorable discharged a second time on October 19th 1948.

Murle and Ethel were united in marriage July 28, 1943. From this union three children were conceived, Melvin Murle Gearhart, Mona Marie (Gearhart) Lemley, and Monty Murlin Gearhart. The premature death of Ethel on Oct 14, 1984 left Murle missing a large part of his heart.

Murle found his second love and married Linda Smith on November 1, 1986. Resulting in four children adopting Murle as their father, Joseph E. Smith, Virginia M Bowman, Lyle E Smith, Vicki Kolbeck.

Murle had a passion for wood working so family and friends received many handmade gifts such as toy boxes, shadow boxes, jewelry boxes and etc. Murle loved wood so much there was never any danger of being cold in his home. Murle loved the outdoors whether he was fishing, hunting, or sleeping on the porch swing.

Murle aka Mr. Wilson was known for his orneriness, joking and pulling pranks.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of the home, Monty and partner in life Rebecca Allen-Skelton, Troy Lemley, Joseph and Merry Smith, Virginia and Brian Bowman, Lyle E Smith, and his baby girl Vicki & Myron Kolbeck, 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Also three brothers Nelson Gearhart, Frank Gearhart, and F.L. Gearhart. And non-legally adopted family members include, Kenny Alkire Sr., Carolyn Booher, Jeff Jardot, Dawn Jardot, Kevin Jardot, and Tyler Jardot aka Dennis the Menace.

Murle was preceded in death by an infant brother, Carl Lavern Gearhart, his wife Ethel (Synder) Gearhart, a grandson Mark Lemley, his daughter Mona Lemley, his son Melvin Gearhart, and a sister, Aleene Hill.

A celebration of life will be held on August 12, 2017 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Indian Creek Winery in Ringwood, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.pmcfh.com.

Murle will be missed by all whose lives he touched.