Col. (R) Charles L. Gebhart

Colonel (r) Charles L. Gebhart of North Star answered his final roll call on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. He was 74 years old. Colonel Gebhart was born on November 5, 1949, the younger of twin sons to the late William H. and Evelyn D. (Keegan) Gebhart of New Castle, Delaware. Colonel Gebhart began his 39-year US Air Force career as an Airman Basic in July 1968 and ended his career as a Colonel in December 2009. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War and military operations in Iraq, Turkey, Bosnia, Somalia, and Afghanistan with multiple deployments to Southeast and Southwest Asia. Colonel Gebhart always believed it was his honor and privilege to serve his country in uniform. His greatest honor was to serve as a member of the 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation (Tac Evac) Squadron holding numerous positions from First Sergeant to Squadron Commander. He considered the members of the 142nd to be the consummate military medical professionals. His command philosophy was simple - Mission First, Safety Always, No Excuses, Take Care of Each Other, and Leave It Better Than You Found It. Among his military awards are the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, 4 Air Force Achievement Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He was a 1967 graduate of St Peter’s High School in New Castle, Delaware. And thanks to the Vietnam Era GI Bill, Colonel Gebhart earned his A.S. From Northern Virginia Community College in 1976 and his B.S. from George Mason University in 1979. Colonel Gebhart was also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force’s Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College, and Air War College. Upon his retirement from military service, Colonel Gebhart was fortunate enough to find a second career as a personal fitness trainer for the YMCA of Delaware. For 25 years he worked with hundreds of Y members helping them reach their fitness goals and lead happier, healthier lives. In addition to his parents, Colonel Gebhart was reunited with his twin brother, Bill (a combat medic and recipient of the Silver Star); brother, Jimmy; children: Dawn Marie, Christina Marie, and Christopher; and his beloved four-legged best friends: Sam, Mandy, Mikey, Chelsea, Brooke, and Casey. Colonel Gebhart is survived by his beautiful wife and best friend, Rebecca; son, Andrew (Stephanie); daughter, Andrea; brother, Scott (Marion); nephew, Todd; niece, Jessica (Eric); his very special Savannah family: Rich, Diane, Justin, Courtney, Jordan (Alex), Riley, and Elijah; all their dogs and cats; the four people who made his life complete, and are highest on his gratitude list, his grandchildren,: Tyler, Ella, Gabby, and Holly; and his four-legged babies, Rowdy and Ruby. A visitation will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 9-11 AM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 followed by a celebration of Chuck’s life at 11 AM. Burial will be private at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the YMCA of Delaware, the 142nd AES Morale, Welfare, Recreation Fund, Delaware Air National Guard, or the George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, or any local animal shelter. Or maybe just buy a cold beer for a veteran and tell ‘em, it’s from Chuck Gebhart, and thanks for their service.

Col. (R) Charles L. Gebhart

November 5, 1949 - January 30, 2024

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