Freelyn Wayne Gearhart
Freelyn Wayne Gearhart, age 80, of Shelby, died Wednesday afternoon, February 8, 2023 at Carington Park in Ashtabula.
Freelyn was born December 2, 1942 in Olive Hill, Carter County, KY, the son of the late Emory L. and Sally (Nichols) Gearhart. A 1961 graduate of Shelby High School, Freelyn enlisted in the United States Air Force serving during the Vietnam War from 1962-1966. Following honorable discharge, he remained a part of the Air Force reserves until 1968. Freelyn always lived a life of adventure and it was that sense of adventure that took him all over the country. Wherever he went, he always found work and self-confessed as a “jack of all trades and master of none.” Various industries of work included, but was never limited to: oil fields, law enforcement- specifically the Shelby Police Department, construction and manufacturing. His talents certainly included being incredibly handy and capable of fixing nearly anything.
Freelyn was married to Bertie (Byrd) Gearhart and was the proud father of 4 children: Dorinda Wagner of Shelby, F. Wayne (Jodi) Gearhart of Lancaster, PA, Brenda Gearhart, and Jeff (Michelle) Gearhart both of Loveland. In addition, he was an especially proud dad to the most loyal dog and confident protector, Blue. Freelyn connected strongly with his grandchildren- positives relationships that were cherished by not only him but his grandchildren just the same: Shane (Nicole) Gearhart, Jordan Gearhart, Garrett (Ellie) Bradley, Regan Gearhart, Reilly Gearhart, Rachel Gearhart, Jacob Gearhart, Cooper Gearhart, Colton Gearhart, and Aleah Gearhart; and great grandchildren: Morgen, Luke, Clint, Hunter, and Tanner. He is also survived by a brother: Woody (Bev) Gearhart; sisters: Loretta (Dave) Wilson, Aretta Wiggins, Donna (Gary) Ramsey, and Marcia Kegley; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Freelyn was preceded in death by an infant sister: Shelva Jean; a niece: Kelly Ann Wilson-Hockenberry; and a nephew: Benjamin Gearhart.
Per Freelyn’s wishes, calling hours and funeral services will not be observed. Care for Freelyn and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences for the family may be left on his obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook Page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral
So sorry for your loss. Uncle Freelyn was a great man. Hugs to all of you! ❤️
To the family…I am sorry for your loss. We loved Freelyn. He always sat with us when we were at Phil’s Place. Good guy…will be missed by many. Your guys will be in my thoughts and prayers
We were very sorry to hear of your Dad and Grandfather’s passing. He sounded like a wonderful man who led a full and honorable life. Peace and fond memories be with all of you.
Regards, The Normans
Lititz, PA
Our condolences to Wayne, Jodi, Regan Reilly, Rachel and the entire Gearhart family.
So sorry for the loss
of Freelyn RIP…He will be
missed by many
Dear Dorinda and Family, so sorry for the loss of your Dad. May God put his loving arms around you and fill you with peace. May loving memories comfort you today and always. God Bless You. Love, Jan
Please accept my condolences over the loss of your grandfather. I know how he meant to you
I’m am sorry for your loss Bertie and family. Freelyn was a great mentor to me back in the days of his service for the SPD and the Shell service station. He and Bertie gave me my first real job in High School when my Dad died in 1977. He’ll always have a special place in my heart. RIP Freelyn.
Prayers and condolences to the family…. sorry for you loss… We go back my dad Capt Hollie Kegley and him patrolled Shelby together… I went to school with his daughter… Im sure dad greeted him in Heaven….
My deepest sympathy for my longtime friends.
Sympathies and condolences to you, Lt Shane and your entire family. I’m certain your grandfather was very proud of your achievements. May he rest in peace, watching over you from above.
To the Gearhart family,
My condolences and prayers are with you.
Hold onto your precious memories.
Sincerely,
Brigette Harrison
So sorry for your loss, I have memories of him. He was a wonderful First Cousin , I will always love him and miss him. Love you Freelyn, Praying for the family.
Sorry to here about Freelyn, many great memories at the shell gas station and on gamble street, can’t count the times he would pull up shaking his head to save Woody and I with the wrecker, Hope he’s taking a ride today on that 900. RIP. Soldier
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Freelyn was always so good to us and the boys and he will not be forgotten.
My deepest condolence to Shane and all the family. So sorry for your loss.
Brenda and Family,
Your father was a tremendous comfort to me when my own father passed in 2000. I saw him enter the funeral home (hat in hand) and we locked eyes. We both made a bee-line for each other, and met with a hard embrace. I was so happy to see him. I can still feel his grip. Your fathers attendance meant the most to me and made the whole ordeal bearable.
Years later, we crossed paths at Mid-Ohio Heart. Once again he surrounded me with a powerful hug. I’m so glad to have known him.
Godspeed Freelyn – You and Dad can enjoy tea & lemonade on the swing again.
Sorry to hear Freelyn passed away. We were neighbors back in the late 50’s.Would ride to school together thanks to Buddy Mott. Rest in peace my freind. We’ll meet again. Darrell Baker
Wayne and Bertie, You are in my thougths and prayers. It is never easy at a time like this. Wayne, I will always have special memories of you in little league. You were a pleasure to coach.
My deepest condolences. I only met him once. But I know his grandson very well. I’m sure he was a great protector. Thank you for your years of service. Rest well.
Brenda, Jeff, Shane and all, our sincere sympathy on Freelyn’s passing! Prayers for comfort for the family! We loved him, and will cherish our many memories of him! RIP, my friend!
I’m sorry to hear this. He was a great guy. Sincere heart and soul. You will be missed by many, and thought of often. Thanks for being a good friend.
The family of Freelyn
Your in my thoughts and prayers I your time of loss of a wonderful man he will be missed
I have many, many fond memories of Freelyn. To say that he was a larger than life character would be an understatement. I will treasure those memories and keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for everything and until we meet again.
From the Strassell and Hi-Point Firearms family, Our deepest condolences to your family. Freelyn was part of the history here at Hi-Point and will not soon be forgotten. Though he worked with the company before my time, he and Blue would still come visit often and I enjoyed many conversations with him in my office. He will be missed.
My condolences to Freelyn’s family. He and I use to hang out together back in the late sixties and early seventies. Had many great times together. I ran off and joined the Navy for 27 years and lost contact. He was a good man and a great friend. Sorry to hear of his passing.