Dr. Rev. James H. Gabhart
Dr. Rev. James H. Gabhart, 96, of Francesville, formerly of Winamac, went to be with Jesus on Friday, Feb. 24. He was a retired Christian minister with 58 years of service.
Pastor Gabhart was born on Sept. 9, 1926, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Arthur L. and Della V. (Turofske) Gabhart. On July 11, 1953, in Akron, Ohio, he married Esther Joan Vanderley. Esther went to be with Jesus on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
He served 10 years in the United States Armed Forces being an enlisted paratrooper in General Eisenhower’s honor guard, 508th PIR, at Frankfort, Germany and an Air Force electronics-armament officer in SAC at various stations. Pastor Gabhart was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor. He was educated at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake and Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida. He held a Doctor of Ministry Degree, Master of Theology Degree and a Master of Divinity Degree.
Pastor Gabhart served churches in Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana and Mississippi. He was an officer in several ministerial organizations. After retirement in 1991, he supplied pulpits in 43 area churches, did nine interims for pastorless churches, and worked in fabrics at Winamac G.L. Perry for three and a half years. He also served as a volunteer chaplain at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. He was a regular book reviewer for the Baptist Bulletin and The Grace Journal. He enjoyed gardening, walking, and stamp collecting. Pastor Gabhart loved to share the Gospel with others. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his daughters: Patty Hansen, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Della [Dave] Myers, of Francesville and Alida [Roger] Mays, of Delphi; son James H. [Lorri] Gabhart II, of Sun City, Arizona; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents: Arthur L. and Della (Turofske) Gabhart; wife Esther Joan (Vanderley) Gabhart; two brothers; and one sister.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 8, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, with Pastor Bill McNabney and AJ Myers officiating.
Burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.
(Pulaski County Journal — March 8, 2023)