Donald Wayne Gearhart

December 25, 1943 - August 26, 2026

Donald Wayne Gearhart, Age 82, passed away on August 26, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 25, 1943. Donald is now at peace and rejoicing in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Donald retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad after 34 years of service and enjoyed farming, spending time with family and his beagle dog, Roscoe.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Roy and Stefana Gearhart, mother and father-in-law, Lewis and Blondine Clower and brother-in-law, James Clower and nephew, Darryl Gearhart.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Opal Clower Gearhart; son Randell (Anne) Gearhart; daughter Angie (Doug) Vest; 6 Grandchildren; Brandon (Holly) Gearhart, Wyatt (Bryce) Gearhart, Matthew (Hannah) Vest, Hannah (Jarrett) Williams, Shaylee (Chad) Earles, Colby (Caileigh) Gearhart; 8 great grandchildren; Kade Gearhart, Luke Gearhart, Lula Gearhart, Walker Earles, Clay Williams, Hope Gearhart, Hattie Gearhart, and expecting Baby Earles; brothers Melvin (Brenda) Gearhart and Larry (Margaret) Gearhart, sister-in-law; Betty Clower; many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend gratitude to all caregivers, therapists, and nurses: Sherry, Lois, Krislyn, Jonathan, Emily, and Good Samaritan Hospice. Not only did they care for Donald, they cared and supported his family.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00am at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren with Pastor Horace Light and Pastor Todd Reed officiating. Interment will be at Restvale Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Gardner Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Food Bank at P.O. Box 67, Copper Hill, VA 24079.

So sorry for your loss.

I am sorry for your loss. I pray for you and the family, I know each person's pain. I will keep you and the family in my prayers

Donald will be missed, I loved the way he just loved everyone and never met a stranger.

So sorry for your loss

Donald will be missed. He was a good man and a great mentor for kids. He coached Sandlot basketball at Check Elm for years. May God watch over Opal and the family. Love, hugs and prayers.

So sorry for your loss keeping you all in our prayers 🙏

May our Father in Heaven watch tenderly over all of you during this sad and difficult time.

We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. The Vaughn’s

Sorry for your loss Thoughts and Prayers

May precious memories comfort each member of your family. I am blessed by friendship with each you.

We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family at this difficult time. With prayers and love from the both of us.

Angie, I am so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Opal, Angie and family, We are so saddened by your loss. Donald was such a wonderful guy and such a good friend to all of our family. I know Mom enjoyed her visit with him and all of you at the 4th of July gathering a few years back. She spoke of it often. Our hearts go out to you during this time and I know God will grant you the peace and comfort you seek. Prayers for you all!

Angie and family I am sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Prayers and hugs for you and hope I get to see you at one of the treasurer lunches. God bless!

Mr. Donald Gearhart was one of the best, kindest man I have ever known.

So sorry! He surely left a legacy in children ,grandchildren and great grand children, love to all, Mark and Betty

Larry, so sorry to learn of the passing of your brother. Many prayers, my friend.

My thoughts and prayers are with you through this time. I'm sorry for your loss.

Opal my heart breaks for you and your family. I'm so glad I got to visit with you and Donald last fall when I was up there. May God grant you comfort and peace during this hard time. Love and prayers

Angie, I’m sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Came to the visitation but was told at least an hour’s wait so unable to stay. Your former neighbor, Cherri

Regina and I are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort.

Sending my heart felt condolences to all And sending prayers . RIP Donald. I still remember the wonderful time of our Check HS days. Love you Opal 🙏✝️

Randall and family, sure sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He was a good man and I really enjoyed getting to know him. I know y'all will really miss him. I remember when we had his FSA appeal and got it settled, he really appreciated it. Just a fine gentleman. Sincerely, Chuck

We are so sorry for the passing of your father. May God grant all of you peace and comfort for the days and months ahead.