Robert Gephart

Robert Edwin "Bob" Gephart, 84, passed away Friday, March 14, 2014 at 11:15 AM at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, Indiana after a nine year battle with lung cancer.
Bob was born May 23, 1929 in Hammond, Indiana to Charles Morgan and Opal Naomi (Williams) Gephart.
He graduated with the class of 1947 from New Haven High School and in June of 1952 he graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington. He also graduated from Wisconsin School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin in 1965 and the National Graduate Trust School held in Northwestern University in 1971.
Beginning September 23, 1952 Bob proudly served his country during the Korean War with the United States Army. Sgt. Robert E. Gephart was honorably discharged September 22, 1954.
Ann J. Traster and Bob were joined in marriage March 5, 1960 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They would share 54 years together.
Bob started his banking career at the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Bluffton, Indiana. This was followed by a period of time with the Comptroller of Currency as a National Bank Examiner; then eight years at the Citizens State Bank in Hartford City and twenty five years at the Lake City Bank in Warsaw. He retired in May of 1994 as Senior Vice President and Trust Officer.
Living most of his life in Warsaw, he was a member of its Kiwanis Club of Warsaw where he had served as club president and lt. governor for the Land of Lakes Division of Indiana Kiwanis. Bob had been a member of Kiwanis for over 50 years and was the recipient of the Legion of Honor and George F. Hixon Awards. He had previously been president of the Hartford City Kiwanis Club. Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Warsaw, and over the years and served in a variety of leadership positions. He took his commitments to his church very seriously.
Over the years he was active in many Kosciusko County organizations including The American Cancer Society, United Way, life member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Riverwood Ranch, Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council, Warsaw Community Public Library Board, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, a volunteer at the Kosciusko County Literary Services, board member at Mason Health Care Facility, member of American Legion Post #49 and was named Kosciusko County's 1980 Man of the Year.
Flower gardening was Bob's favorite outside activity. He and the deer often competed for the same flowers. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed being with people.
Bob cherished the time he spent with Ann and the children. He always looked upon family time as the most important time of his life. This period was too short. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren.
Left with hearts full of memories to treasure in addition to his wife, Ann, is daughter and son-in-law: Cheryl and Kevin Giacomini of Northville, Michigan; son: Mark Gephart of Greenwood, Indiana; and 4 grandchildren: Katie and Anna Giacomini and Lillie and Charles Gephart.
He was preceded by his parents and 2 sisters: Marilyn Clark (January 1, 2012) and Eileen Naomi McCormack (January 9, 1991).
Family and friends will gather for a time of sharing in support of each other Monday, March 17th from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw and for 1 hour prior to the service at the church.
A service celebrating the life of Robert Edwin Gephart will take place Tuesday, March 18th at 10:30 AM in First United Methodist Church, Warsaw, with Pastors Scott Carmer and Toni Carmer officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Military honors will be conducted by Warsaw’s American Legion Post #49 and VFW Post #1126
The family has asked that gifts in given in memory of Bob be given to one of 3 recipients. The are: First United Methodist Church, 179 S. Indiana Street, Warsaw, IN 46580; Kosciusko Community Foundation 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw and Salvation Army, 501 Arthur Street, Warsaw.
The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Robert Edwin "Bob" Gephart.