Clarence Burton Gerhardt

Clarence Burton Gerhardt

Clarence Burton Gerhardt, 82, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. Burton, as he was known by his family and friends, was born in Lynchburg on July 2, 1928. He was the son of Earl A. Gerhardt and Georgia Burton Gerhardt. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, graduating with an engineering degree in 1949 as a member of the Corp of Cadets. He received his master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School in 1953. Burton served his country for more than 35 years as a member of the United States Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Major.

Burton was a man of great energy and had many interests and talents. He served until 1972 as President of Lynchburg Hosiery Mills, a part of Lynchburg's industrial history, which at one time employed almost 1,200 city residents. Burton was a professional engineer and continued to work until just recently as President of The Gerhardt Corporation, an engineering and land company, and of Gerhardt Advisors Inc., a financial advisory firm.

He particularly enjoyed his involvement in the community. He served as a Co-Chairman of the Lynchburg Interracial Committee in the 1960s. Burton was a member and a past President of the Lynchburg Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, having joined the club more than 50 years ago. Over the years, he served on the Boards of the Lynchburg Historical Foundation Inc., Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, the Lynchburg Mental Health Board, the Boy Scouts of America and the Presbyterian Cemetery. He was a member and Elder emeritus at The First Presbyterian Church and devoted 20 years as a Sunday school teacher.

For many years, he was a licensed private pilot and pursued his love of the outdoors tending to Burnbrae Farm in Forest. He had a passion for spending time with his grandchildren, all of whom would regularly join him at work on their school breaks. He often said that he learned much more from them than they would ever learn from him.

Burton was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Ann Grant Gerhardt; his sister, Anne G. Lenhert; and his daughter-in-law, Maureen B. Gerhardt.

He is survived by his son, Edward B. Gerhardt, and fianc‚e, Lori Cannon, of Greensboro, and his children, Margaret and John; his son, Paul W. Gerhardt, and his wife, Charlotte, of Williamsburg, and their children, Catherine, Augusta and Ann Burton; and his brother, E. Alvin Gerhardt Jr. and wife, Sally.

Internment will be a private family service. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Oct. 1, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive visitors in the narthex following the service.

In lieu of flowers and in support of Burton's devotion to the Lynchburg community, contributions may be made to The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust, 101 Paulette Circle, Suite B, Lynchburg, VA 24502, or the charity of one's choice.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family.