Denver V. Gearhart I
Denver V. Gearhart I, peacefully went to meet his Lord and Savior, on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018. He was 99 years of age. He was born Sept. 21, 1918, in Englewood, Kan., the son of James Franklin Gearhart and Jennie Phelps Gearhart. Upon his mother’s passing 28 days later, he was raised by his grandparents, David Franklin Gearhart and Ella Kennedy Gearhart. He moved to Wichita, Kan., when he was a young man to seek his fortune. He lived with his older brothers, Bruce and Galen, for awhile and worked his first job at the Crawford Theater as an usher. He went to American Business College in Wichita and he met the love of his life, Florence Viola Jones. They were married six months later on Nov. 23, 1938. One year later, they had their first child, Denver Vernon Gearhart Jr. and seven years later they had a daughter, Gila Lou Gearhart. He also went to San Jose Bible College in California and while going to school, he made a living for his family as a tree surgeon.
After moving from California back to Kansas, he worked for the post office as a mail carrier in Wichita, Kan., for 38 years.
In 1996, he and Florence moved to Ponca City. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage together. After the passing of Florence, he and Pug Hargraves became good friends and spent much time together playing dominoes and watching “flicks”.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Bruce and Galen; three step sisters, Genevieve, Ladeane and Ella Jane and a half sister, Joann. His wife, Florence passed away on Oct. 6, 2005 and his good friend, Pug Hargraves passed away on Feb. 12, 2017.
He is survived by his son, Denver Vernon Gearhart II and wife Janie, of Ponca City; his daughter, Gila Lou Balman and husband Warren Balman, of Rochester, N.Y.; also three grandchildren, Sonya Gearhart Shepherd and her husband Scott, of Ponca City, Denver Gearhart III and his wife Ana, of Everett, Wash. and Steve Gearhart and his wife Justine, of Tulsa; nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and had quite a repertoire of funny little songs he learned as a boy, which he entertained us with on many occasions. He was a humble servant of the Lord and lived his life as a faithful Christian. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He leaves behind a host of friends and loved ones who will greatly miss him. He served as a deacon of the church for many years and was an active member of Hartford Avenue Church of Christ in Ponca City.
Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at Trout Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 and from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday. A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ. He will be laid to rest at 3 p.m. in Resthaven Cemetery in Wichita, Kan. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.
Memorial donations may be provided to the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe St., Ponca City, OK 74601 or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 N. Fairview, Ponca City, OK 74601.
paid obituary
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Alma Blanche Hutton
The angels came and escorted Alma Blanche Hutton to heaven on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, at the age of 97 years, nine months and nine days.
Alma was born on April 19, 1920, the daughter of Fred and Blanche Keith Bacher. She grew up in Braman, where she attended school. After graduation, she took nurse’s training at Ponca City Hospital, where she received a diploma in nursing. Following graduation she began working at the old Blackwell Hospital. She also worked for a short time at Ponca City Hospital.
She married Harold Raymond Hutton on Dec. 6, 1941, the day before Pearl Harbor was bombed. When Harold was deployed as a medic in the Marines, she began working for Dr. L. H. Becker as a nurse in his clinic. After three years and Harold’s return from the Pacific in World War II, she became a homemaker caring for her family of five children.
When Harold became the owner of Hutton Drug, she worked as the bookkeeper for more than 10 years until they retired from the pharmacy. Following retirement they enjoyed traveling, playing the occasional golf game and playing pitch with their “pitch club.” Her pastime at home was working crossword puzzles and watching game shows, showing her knowledge as she competed with the television contestants. Her real passion in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren, as she had a great love and pride for her family.
She served as president of the Oklahoma Pharmaceutical Association Auxiliary from 1967-68. She was a member of First Christian Church and taught Sunday School in her younger years. She was also a lifetime member of Top of Oklahoma Historical Society and Blackwell Regional Hospital Auxiliary.
She is survived by her five children, Harold Hutton and wife Carol, of Norman, Danny Hutton and wife Glenda, of Bowling Green, Ky., Dennis Hutton and wife Becky, of Blackwell, Eddie Hutton and wife Kathy, of Edmond and Betty Laughlin and husband Larry, of Blackwell; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents and two sisters, Perdita Ebert and Helen Cooper.
A service is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, at First Christian Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Jeff Koch officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Patrick Hutton, Eric Hutton, Aaron Hutton, Nicholas Hutton, Alex Hutton and Henry “Butch” Zaborowski.
A memorial has been established in her honor with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
On-line condolences can be made at www.robertsandsonfh.com.
paid obituary
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Services Pending
George Helton
George Helton, died Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. He was 83.
Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.
Deborah Ann LaBlue
BLACKWELL — Deborah Ann LaBlue, died Monday afternoon, Feb. 12, 2018, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 63.
Arrangements are pending with Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
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Funerals
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Barbara Ann Wilson Thompson — A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Billings.
Burial will follow in Red Rock Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.
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