Virgil Lee Gearhart

Virgil Lee Gearhart, 85, of Newton died on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. No services are scheduled at this time. 

Virgil, the son of Virgil P. and Clovine (Koon) Gearhart, was born on January 8, 1940, in Ira.  He was a lifelong resident of Jasper County, growing up in the Mingo-Ira area and attending Baxter schools.  In 1960, he moved to Newton and began a 37-year career with the City of Newton at the Water Works Treatment Plant.  Virgil was a former member of the Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.  He enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota, hunting, and walking the wide-open spaces of his nephew, Doug’s ranch in Oklahoma. 

Virgil is survived by his two sons, Curtis Patrick “Pat” (Cindi) Gearhart of Newton and Quinten (Jill) Gearhart of Newton; stepdaughter, Johnette Routh and her family of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Shawna (Justin) Hopkins, Chloe Gearhart (Brian Johnson), and Colten Gearhart; and many great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lori in infancy; a grandson, Curtis Gearhart; his sister, Geraldine Routh; and his long time companion, Ila "Lucky" Thompson.

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