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Arthur Gearheart Obituary
ARTHUR K. GEARHEART
Born July 11, 1934, deceased October 17, 2006. Arthur was born in Roanoke, VA. His family moved to Washington, DC in 1937. He graduated from Chamberlain Vocational School, where he studied photography. He served three years in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii. Arthur worked for Harris & Ewing Photography and finally accepted a position at the Federal Comunications Commission. He worked for the commission for 30 years. He started as a file clerk and ended his career a a congressional liason. He retired in 1989. He spent many years singing barbershop style music. He belonged to a quartet named the Chord Foundation. After his retirement, he wanted to continue his interest in playing bridge. He became involved in internet bridge playing and was able to meet people from all over the world. His bridge partner, Ruth Anderson, was from California. They were finally able to meet face-to-face at a bridge convention in Las Vegas. He is survived by a sister, Gloria Kiessling; two sons, Garry Allen and William Mason; and many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Edward Sherman. Family will receive friends on Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the DONALDSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, P.A., 1411 Annapolis Road. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, 1 p.m., in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Gearheart
HELEN BURNER
April 3, 2007
I remember when I went to clean for Arthur and Eddie Arthur was playing the pino and was going to show me house to play because I have an organ he was going to teach me how to play but bless his heart it never seam to be enough time in my busy schedal to learn .I sure do miss you Arthur love your friend Helen he SURE DID LIKE MY HOME MADE CUMCUMBER PICKLE AND MY HOME MADE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE.
Dorothy Stewart
April 2, 2007
There's not much left to say about my dear, dear Arthur that someone else hasn't already said. We met about 26 years ago at the Washington Zoo where a group from Eddie's and my office had met for an afternoon of fun. I was very impressed with him and we became very close friends. We subsequently spent much time together along with Eddie and Liz. There is a wonderful feeling at having such a close group of friends.
Over the years we did many exciting things together such as "slot machines" at Charlestown, going to dinner at many different ethnic restaurants, playing the piano and singing, and just wasting the day away shooting the breeze. When Arthur was involved, you knew it was going to be a fun event.
Not everything was just for fun however. When my daughter (Jackie)was in the hospital for two months in Austin, Texas, waiting for "Little Eddie" to be born, Arthur was there with me for a week of cheering us up, helping me care for Bob, and giving tremendous moral support. He was ailing during this time from the terrible allergies so prevalent in Texas so it was truly a sacrifice on his part. He was a godsend for me in those days. Arthur was such a wonderful Pawpaw to both of these little boys.
One of the dearest moments with him was last summer when I finally met his sons - Gary and Mason. It was the culmination of a dream for Arthur. Not only were there sons, but daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. It was the happiest moments I had ever seen in his life.
May God bless you Eddie, Gary, and Mason during your healing from this loss. Barbara and Dawn, you were very special to Arthur as well and he treasured the fact that his sons had selected the wives they did and for the grandchildren from these unions.
I'll always love you Arthur!
March 19, 2007
william Gearheart
February 20, 2007
Thank you everybody who has left a message about my dad every old memory for you is new one for me and my family so thank you for sharing your stories it means a lot.
To Dad,
All your life you wondered about that, step we all take alone ,how far does a spirit travel on it's journey , you surely must be near heaven and it chills me to the bone to know "daddy" knows the great unknown.
HELEN BURNER
December 23, 2006
my sympathy goes out to Eddie Sherman and all of Arthur family at this time
all of you have a happy and merry Christmas that it what Arthyr would want you to do ,but it is hard I know because I am going throw the same thing but Arthur is spending Christmas with Jesus this year and he has meet my brother in Heaven
love to all of you Helen Burner
Fran Gearheart
December 22, 2006
I will always remember Uncle Art from the first time I met him. I was with his nephew Bobby and no one in the family knew me. But the first time I was introduced to him, Uncle Art welcomed me and treated me not like an outsider, but as if I had been a part of the family all along. I remember some of the conversations we had at family functions when I needed someone to listen. And he listended and told me things that I will always carry in my heart. Although we weren't blood relatives, Uncle Art will always be as much a part of my life as any of my blood uncles. Although I didn't know him like many of you did, he will always be a big part of my life, and always in my heart. I feel very blessed to have known him for the short time that I did. And Eddie, you are a wonderful, loving person. You and Uncle Art will remain in my prayers always.
God bless you,
George Claeren
November 9, 2006
Art was I person I knew well and yet knew not at all. He was very friendly, open, honest and knowledgeable. But I only knew him from the bridge Zone and think there was a lot more to Art!!!
"Rest in Peace Arpher"
bobby gearheart
November 4, 2006
uncle shorty, for as everyone knew him as art he was always to me my uncle shorty the tallest of my fathers brothers and sisters well that's what makes nicknames so special. he was a special person throughout my life i will miss him and love him forever
Patricia Houck
November 1, 2006
I wish I had known him longer. He was so warm and thoughtful. He touched me very much in that short time. Before we could get plans to meet, was when the last problems began. To Ruth and Eddie especially know how much harder it is for you. Prayers for all of you that were closer to him. Pat(bridge)
Helen Burner
October 30, 2006
I just wish I had know Arthur years ago he was such a good friend I wish my Husband would have meet him I know they would have been come good friends to.I had planed a cook out for him and Eddie as soon as Arthur was feeling up to it But I never got to have them down.may God bless Eddie I know it is hard because my brother Ray Roberts past away September 22/06 and I know what Eddie is going throw
and he is my friend to. love Helen Burner
Julie Thomas (sherman)
October 28, 2006
Arthur has been in my life for as long as I can remember. Uncle Eddie and Arthur were always at every family gathering and function. He was my uncle just as Uncle Eddie is. Timmy, Ryan, Nikki and Christopher absolutely adored him. We had so many good times at Christmas, Thanksgiving and at the Cabin. Uncle Eddie and Arthur were always there through my many hospital stays that I've had over the years. They even came to "spring" me one time, but they just wouldn't let me leave!!! Most of all, it will be so hard not to hear him say "there is my beautiful girl". He always greeted everyone in such a loving way and made everyone feel so special. I love you Arthur and look forward to seeing you again someday.
Bernadine Lichliter
October 26, 2006
Well, Art, Christmas is going to be a little different this year without you. You always arrived smiling and left the same way. You were a vital part of the group who met out on the deck and also enjoyed those gathered around the buffet table. But you seemed to find your niche in that chair right next to the Christmas tree....Eddie, right beside you. It was the perfect place for you. How nice for the guests to see that happy face when they arrived. Sadly, there will be an extra Yoo-Hoo or two now.
I still enjoy looking at the video you and Eddie made for me for my 50th birthday...I still laugh out loud over the "sentimentality" of it when you played that one note and Eddie, with Kleenex in hand, dabbed the tear from his eye.
Butch and I are very happy that we were able to enjoy an evening and meal together with you and Eddie just 2 weeks before you left us.
Arthur, you certainly are going to be missed.
Love from your friends, Bernadine and Butch
Ruth Anderson
October 26, 2006
Art was my bridge partner and teacher, but most of all he was a friend and part of my family for the past 9 years.
My husband and I met Art twice in Las Vegas and I will always picture Art stroking his beard as he thought about what to bid or play.
He knew more about bridge than anyone I had ever met, and he shared all he could with me. His online nickname was "arpher" and he enjoyed telling the story about his nephew who could not pronounce Arthur.
I am so grateful to have known Art as a bridge player and a friend. He spoke fondly of his many relatives and friends, and I could feel the love for people that Art had. He was such a kind man and a real gentleman.
My sympathy goes to all who knew Art because of the great loss; however, we are blessed by the memories of such a wonderful man.
If there is a bridge table in Heaven, I know that Art will be sitting there and enjoying the game.
To you- Art- I bid 7 No Trump and farewell. May all your games be grand slams.
Jackie Harmon
October 25, 2006
We entered the scene very late in Art's life but he made a lifetime impression on our family. We first met him when my oldest boy was 3 months old. "Bob" was a colicky baby and we had worn out our welcome just about everyplace we had stayed during our visit to Maryland. Everyone tried holding Baby Bob, yet he screamed on and on. Finally, Art, who I had just met for the first time, asked if he could hold him. Hoping I could grab a second to eat I said "Sure.". That screaming infant shut right up the second he got into Art's arms. He stayed quietly fascinated with Art during the entire meal and we all recognized that something special was going on. Those two took to each other like no two other human beings I have known. It was clear to all that Art and Baby Bob had a "thing" going on. From that day forward Art became a permanent fixture in our lives, as loving "Pawpaw" first to Baby Bob and then to our next arrival, Little Eddie. We felt so special and so blessed to have him in our lives for six short years. He and "Uncle Eddie" were and remain one of the cornerstones of mine and me childrens lives. Art could not have been a more loving and devoted grandparent if he had been born into the job. We miss him terribly. Baby Bob is now almost 7 years old and Pawpaw is still his favorite grandparent. We weep together everynight and he tells me all the good things and funny things he remembers about Pawpaw. Pawpaw may be gone, but he will always loom larger than life in my boys' memories. He was an earthbound angel God blessed us with when we needed someone special. We will never forget him and we will always love him and forever miss him.
Out hearts and prayers are with you too, Uncle Eddy, every day.
Sharon Kiessling
October 24, 2006
Uncle Art was my God father, he has always been in my life.He was always there if I had surgery, was graduating from school,had a birthday or leaving on an adventure. We had many wonderful
memories, I can't imagine having family gatherings without him. Thank you for teaching me so many things
I love you and I miss you
Sharon
Margaret Sherman
October 24, 2006
I have known Arthur for 38 years. He was one of the most compassionate and loving people I have came across in my lifetime. He was an Angle on earth. He was a care giver of many people. He was always there for those that could not do for themselves. He was an unselfish man. He loved having fun and family socials. He will be sorely missed by me and my immediate family.
Helen Burner
October 24, 2006
I never know of Arthur until a few years ago when I went to give a price to clean his home the first time I every saw him he gave me a big hug we become good friends over the few years we have known each other . I sure will miss him(Helen )
Eddie Sherman
October 24, 2006
There are really no words to describe how sad I am. I wake each morning expecting to see him enjoying is coffee in his favorite chair. He was the kindest most gentle person I have ever known and I will love him til the end of time.
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