Frank Maynard Gearhart

Frank Maynard Gearhart, 88, of Manteno, and formerly of Peotone, died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at home.

Mr. Gearhart was born on Nov. 13, 1921, in Pomona, the son of Frank and Sara Guinn Gearhart.

Mr. Gearhart served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Augusta during World War II. He participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France.

Mr. Gearhart was a corrections officer who retired with the rank of lieutenant from Statesville Prison in Joliet.

He liked gardening, woodcarving and playing on the computer.

He married Ethel Alberta High of Manteno on Feb. 22, 1947, in Cobden.

Survivors include a daughter, Karen (Donald) Zaffino of Manteno; four granddaughters, Tracy (Victor) Barnhill of Hattiesburg, Miss., Kelly (Mike) Daly of Manteno, Nicole (John) Silberman of Manhattan and Melissa (Mark) Swanson of Manteno; 11 great-grandchildren, Christian, Cameron and Carley Barnhill, Sarah, Morgan and Amber Daly, Justin and Owen Silberman, and Tim, Frankie and Mason Swanson; a sister, Aline Gearhart of Murphysboro; and a brother, Paul (Cathy) Gearhart of Campbell Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Steven; a daughter, Coleen; and a sister, Alvada Walker.

At his request, Mr. Gearhart was cremated.

A memorial service is planned at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at Union Congregational Church in Cobden.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley or to Union Congregational Church, c/o the Rev. Bryan Morrison, PO Box 13, Cobden, Ill. 62920.

Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home in Peotone is in charge of arrangements.