Ralph V. Gearhart, age 83, of Hammond, IN passed away Saturday, February 6, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Pilar; 1 daughter, Audrey (Rodney) Epp of Lake Wales, FL.; 1 step-daughter, Angela (William) Talmadge of Portage, IN; 2 grandchildren, Jennifer (Eddie) White of Lake Station, IN and Gregory Bass of Portage, IN; 2 brothers, Clyde (Skippy) Gearhart of Griffith, IN and Wyvil (Flo) Gearhart of South Have, IN; 1 sister, Miriam Dolores Kenealy of Portage, IN. He was preceded in death by his wives, Virginia and Anna, and 4 brothers, Paul Edwin, Carl Stanley, Ivan V., and Edward Gearhart. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 11 AM from LaHayne Funeral Home, 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond, IN with Chaplain, Audrey Epps officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 from 4-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to VNA Hospice Residence, 2404 Valparaiso St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Ralph was a lifetime resident of this area and a retired accountant from DuPont Co. He was a member of Griffith Lodge # 735 F. & A.M. and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, South Bend Valley. Ralph served in the U.S. Navy during WW 2 and was a life member of American Legion Post # 502 of South Haven, IN and a life member, past Commander and Quartermaster of Edward H. Larsen VFW Post # 802 of Hammond, IN. A joint memorial service by VFW #802 and American Legion # 502 will be held Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM at the funeral home. For information call LaHayne Funeral Home at 219-845-3600.