Clarence "Bud" Gearhart

Clarence “Bud” was born February 3, 1930 in National City, California to Jess Clarence Gearhart and Ruth Catherine Rhine. He passed away November 4, 2025 at his residence in Coos Bay.

In 1934, at the age of 4 years old, Bud’s family moved to Oregon and homesteaded on 60 acres out of Willamina, Oregon. He lived in Gilbert Creek, Oregon, where he attended grade school and met his future wife, Betty Hilligoss. Later, he also attended Laurelwood Academy.

In 1949, Bud married Betty Marie Hilligross in Gilbert Creek. They were happily married for 76 years.

In 1951, they moved to Bandon where he worked in the woods industry, and in the timber industry and head of maintenance at Rogge Lumber Co. In 2002 the family moved to Coos Bay, where he lived until his death.

He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Bandon and Coos Bay.  He was very active in his church helping with maintenance and teaching Sabbath School Class and helping with numerous other projects as they came up.

Bud is survived by his wife, Betty Gearhart; sons, Rick and wife, Lissa Gearhart and Randall and wife, Janell Gearhart; daughter, Sandra Merritt; 5 grandchildren and numerous great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Roger Merritt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seventh Day Adventist Church in his name.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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