Larry D. "Sarge" Earhart

Larry D. “Sarge” Earhart, 88, of Lancaster, formerly of East Petersburg and Manheim, died peacefully on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Brethren Village Retirement Community. Born in Manheim, he was the son of the late Jeremiah G. and Mildred Eppler Earhart. Larry was the loving husband of Ruth Givler Kachel Earhart who preceded him in death in September of 2007.

Sarge started a military career at the age of 16 during the summers between years in high school with the Seagoing Cowboys. After graduation, he joined the Navy Reserves and later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Sarge spent 42 years serving in the military. He received many honors during his service including the Meritorious Service Medal. Sarge was a Master Sergeant when he retired after serving over 37 years with the U.S. Air Force.

Sarge’s civilian career was an Industrial Engineer for the GATX Corporation, Manheim. He started with GATX after graduating from high school and worked with them for a total of 38 years before his retirement. Sarge was an active and faithful member of the Lititz Church of the Brethren where he and his wife established the “Ruth and Larry Earhart Helping Hands Fund”. He also was a member of the Memorial Garden committee with the church. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force Sergeants Association and American Legion Post 0034. After retirement, Sarge volunteered at Brethren Village in the Activities and Transportation Departments. He was an excellent billiard player who won many competition medals and formed the Campus Rackers at Brethren Village. Sarge enjoyed being active, traveling, model trains, church fellowship and spending time with family and friends. Sarge’s character, generosity of spirit and positive attitude brought happiness and inspiration to those that knew him.

Surviving is a daughter, Stacey wife of Tim Bauer of Mount Joy, a step son, David Kachel husband of Nancy of Seattle, WA, and three step grandchildren: Chris, Shannon, and Bryan Kachel.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Sarge’s memorial service in the Brethren Village Chapel, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, on Friday, May 26. Friends may visit with the family in the Brethren Village Chapel beginning at 9:30 A.M. with the service beginning at 10:30 A.M. Interment will be private in the Lititz Church of the Brethren Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Sarge’s memory to: Lititz Church of the Brethren, Ruth and Larry Earhart Helping Hands Fund, 300 West Orange Street, Lititz, PA 17543.