Woodstock, GA – Virgil John Gebhart, more commonly known as "Pete", passed away on Wednesday, 17 January 2024, 5 days before his 99 th birthday.

Virgil and his wife recently moved to Woodstock in the Atlanta area after more than 80 years working and living in Troy, IL. He expired from natural causes during a brief visit to the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Emergency Room in Marietta, GA.

Pete was born on Thursday, 22 January 1925 in Woodriver, IL, the son and second child of Charles and Medora (nee Lawrence) Gebhart. He had two brothers (Charles and Marcel) and a sister (Ruth) that all preceded him in death.

After serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II, Pete returned to Troy, married his wife Frances (Fran, nee Smith), and began a forty-year career at the Troy Post Office. In 1967 he was named Postmaster of the office, and held that position until retiring in 1989. Following retirement, he worked part time at Laughlin Richeson Funeral home, then as a trustee for Jarvis Township.

Pete was a faithful member of St Jerome's Catholic Church in Troy, and the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus until his relocation to Georgia. Pete also was a member of the Troy Jay Cees, Troy Lions Club, and Troy American Legion. He and his wife were also charter members of Troy's Square Dancing Potluck Group.

In his retirement, Pete enjoyed senior bowling, playing euchre at the firehouse, and breakfasts with the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Pete was also a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, which continued unabated after moving to the Atlanta area.

In addition to Fran, his wife of 76 years, Pete is survived by his son James (Margaret), daughters Jane Heymann (Richard, deceased), and Mary Andrea May (Rickey). He will also be missed by his six (6) grandchildren: John Gebhart (Suzy), Steven Gebhart (Jessica), Elizabeth Jackson (Jon), Carey Doyle (Chris), Chris May (Jamie), and LeAnne May. One grandchild, Julie Gebhart, preceded him in death. Pete is also survived by thirteen (13) great-grandchildren: Tyler, Ben, Kylie, Elliott, Frances, Clara, Lydia, Jack, Carolyn, Emilyn, Willow, James, and Christian.

Visitation for Pete will be 9 to 10 am on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 511 S Main St, Troy, IL 62294.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Troy, IL with Fr. Kevin Laughery officiating and Interment will be in St. John Cemetery, Blackjack, IL

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, IL