Walter Ray Gerth

Walter Ray Gerth, 76, of North Vernon, passed away at 8:17 a.m. on May 4, 2025, at St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon.

Born February 15, 1949, in Seymour, he was the son of the late Cecil Gerth Sr. and Apphia (Wohrer) Gerth. He married Wilma Gerth on September 2, 1978, at the First Baptist Church in North Vernon; she survives.

Walter graduated from North Vernon High School in 1967 and went on to serve in the U.S. Marines from 1967 until 1971. He worked for Cummins Engine Company for 18 years before retiring in 2014. He also painted model trains for Overland Models in Muncie for 10 years and had worked for Arvins in Columbus. Walter was a member of the First Baptist Church in North Vernon and the Seymour Area Cruisers Car Club. He enjoyed classic cars, model railroading, music, and going to the beach.

Surviving with his wife is his daughter, Erin (Doug) McNeill of Trafalger; brother, Cecil “Pete” (Deb) Gerth Jr. of North Vernon; sister, Carole Elam of Columbus; and grandchild, Cole McNeill of Trafalger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jerry, Dale, Rick, Ralph, Louis, and Donald Gerth; and sisters, Helen McCulley and Alice West.

A funeral service for Walter will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Services in North Vernon with Rev. Braden Adams officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be held in Vernon Cemetery in Vernon with military honors provided by Matt Hester VFW Post #2021.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Walter through the funeral home to the Apphia Gerth Scholarship Fund through the Hayden Museum (makes checks payable to the Hayden Historical Museum).

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