May 27, 1949 - Sept. 14, 2009

ELKHART -- Claude D. "C.D." Gearhart, 60, of Elkhart, died at 6:30 a.m. Monday (Sept. 14, 2009) in his home after a battle with cancer.

He was born May 27, 1949, in Elkhart to Delbert J. Sr. and Inez J. (Smith) Gearhart, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his longtime companion and best friend, Cindy Howard of Elkhart; his daughter, Erin (Lee) Snedaker of Elkhart; two sons, Justin and Joshua Streiff of Mayfield, Ky.; two grandchildren; three adopted sons, Jeremy Howard, Jason (Tina) Wilson and Justin (Kacey Tinsley and their son, Kendall "Lil Booger" Howard) Howard, all of Elkhart; one adopted daughter, Shawn (Larry) Barber of Mayfield; three sisters, Jan Zollinger, Marsha (Kevin) Fletcher and Debra Moore, all of Elkhart; and one brother, Delbert (Susie) Gearhart Jr. of Mishawaka.

Claude or "C.D." to his friends and family worked as a painter for most of his life and with his father at Universal Painting for many years. He had also formerly worked at Elixer Products. C.D. was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed dancing.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1969; he then served in the reserves until 1972. C.D. was a member of the DAV Chapter 19 and its Color Guard unit, serving burial honors for many of his fellow fallen comrades and friends.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. Thursday celebration service, all at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Graveside services and full military honors will be rendered by the DAV Chapter 19 at Prairie Street Cemetery following the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the DAV Chapter 19 Color Guard, 1205 Middleton Run Road, Elkhart, IN 46516. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.