Leon J. Gearhart

Leon James Gearhart, age 70, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away early Friday morning, September 27, 2024 at Parkview Bryan Hospital. He worked at Aro Corporation as a machinist for 28 years and later worked in security for Sabre Industries for 10 years. Leon was a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and had been a member of the Knights of Columbus for several years. He recited the Rosary daily for years. Leon was an avid reader, coached Little League when he was younger and loved every dog he ever met. Above all else, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports and other activities.

Leon James Gearhart was born on April 11, 1954, in Angola, Indiana, the son of Richard and Evelyn (VanZile) Gearhart. He married Deborah M. High on March 27, 1976 in Celina, Ohio and she survives. 

Along with his wife, Leon is survived by his daughter, Amy (Ryan) Miller, of Bryan; son, Steven (Emily) Gearhart, of Nappenne, Indiana; five grandchildren, Jack and Tucker Miller, Trenton Cooper and Natalie and Shelby Gearhart and his brother Lon (Carol Lepper) Gearhart, of Fort Wayne, Indiana and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, and sister, Janet Gearhart. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 9:00-10:30 A.M. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 610 South Portland Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 A.M. and a memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Andrew Wellmann officiating. Krill Funeral Home, 860 East Mulberry Street, Bryan, Ohio has been entrusted with his arrangements.

The family requests memorial donations to the St. Patrick Catholic School Endowment Fund or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.