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Corpus Christi
Orman Ernest Gabhart, of Corpus Christi, TX, an extraordinary man, earned his angel wings February 1, 2020. He was born August 1, 1923 to Lawrence Hyatt and Ila Hoyt in Sheridan, Michigan. He was raised by his Mom and Step-Dad, Henry L. Gabhart. The family eventually left Michigan and moved to Texas. At a young age Orman left school and entered the work force to help support his family.
In 1944 Orman joined the Army and after training was assigned to the Parachute Infantry. During WWII he was with the 117th Airborne in Central Europe. He parachuted into enemy territory in Rhineland. Orman proudly served his country and among the decorations he earned were two bronze stars and a Purple Heart medal.
After he was discharged from the Army in June 1946 he returned to Texas.
In Texas he met the love of his life, Margaret L. Williams and they married in Stephenville, Texas on September 3, 1946.
Orman worked in various positions in the oil and gas industry from the mid 1940's until he retired in the late 1980's. He had other occupations as a dairy farmer in Lingleville, Texas and a helicopter mechanic for Southern Airways. He also was a civilian aircraft mechanic for NHA in Phu Bai, Vietnam.
After Orman retired he became active in various veteran
organizations. He served as commander and vice-commander for the
Disabled American Veterans, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Military
Order of the Purple Heart and chaplain for the South Texas division of
the 82nd Airborne. |
He also had many volunteer hours helping
veterans with documents and transporting them to the hospital or
doctor's office.
One of Orman's lifetime passions was gardening. He loved to share his fruit and vegetables with family and friends.
Orman was a wonderful brother, husband, Dad, Grandparent, Uncle and friend.
Orman is survived by son, Ray Gabhart; daughter, Karen Work; son-in-law, Cecil Rasberry; grandsons, Chad Rasberry (Heather); Henry Work; granddaughters, Angela Bailey (Geoff); Kitten Work; Vickie Work; Megan McSpadden (Aaron); Nephew, Randy Gabhart (Tawnie) and his family; great-grandsons, Micheal Scott (Kimberly); Jonathan Murphey, Jr.; Charlie Rasberry; Jakob Rasberry; Eion Bailey; great granddaughters, Kaylee Work; Kaycee Work; Ireland Bailey; Ashlynne Joseph; great-great grandson,
Dalton Scott; great-great granddaughters, Charlotte Scott and Mary Scott. He is also survived by nieces and their families.
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Orman was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Henry Gabhart and George Gabhart; wife, Margaret L. Gabhart; daughter, Donna Rasberry; son, Oren E. Gabhart and grandson, Eric W. Gabhart.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, February 7th at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 6th at Memory Garden's state room.
[Corpus-Christi Caller-Times, Corpus-Christi, TX, Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, 2020] |
Orman registered for the draft in Goldfinch (Frio
county), Texas on 30 June 1943 and was inducted into the Army at Fort
Sam Houston, TX on 25 May 1944.
On 23 Jan 1945 Pvt Gephardt departed from the U.S.
aboard as troopship and arrived in the ETO 7 days later..
Pvt Gebhart was wounded in action in March 1945 by
artillery shell fragments and evacuated to a field hospital where he was
treated for compound fracture of a Tibia but without any nerve or artery
involvement; Location: The leg bone was rewet and the wound was
sutured close.
 He
appeared on a roster of names and home addresses for men in Hq 3 at APO
757 [Frankfurt], as of 9/23 September 1945 and that assignment is shown
on his discharge document as well.
Pfc Gebhart also appeared in the 3rd Anniversary book
photo of men recently arrived in Co I
 He was discharged from the hospital in May 1945.and
departed the ETO on 30 May 1945.
He returned to U.S. soil on on 21 June 1945 and was
discharged at Fort Sam Houston, TX on 7 June 1945.
On 3 September 1946 Orman married Margaret Lee
Williams in Erath, Texas.
Orman passed away on 1 February 2020 in Corpus Christi
(Nueces county), TX and was interred in the Memory Gardens Cemetery,
Corpus Christi, TX. |
