Ray Byron Gehrt

March 13, 1931 - April 3, 2020

Ray Byron Gehrt, 89, of Columbus, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020 at his home. Ray was born on March 13, 1931 in Bloomington, IL to Frank Gehrt and Wanda (Bahan) Gehrt. He married Connie Moore on April 19, 1953. Ray graduated from Normal Community High School in 1949 and from Illinois Wesleyan University of Bloomington, IL as a math major in 1953, where he played baseball. He was a Navy veteran officer in charge of Beach Masters and he was stationed in Coronado, CA. He served on the Navy ship Henrico. Ray was a retired manager of Industrial Engineers from Cummins Engine Company. He was a long time member of First Christian Church where he coached basketball and volunteered in the toddler department. Ray was passionate about playing golf and he enjoyed gardening, fishing, attending his grandchildren’s activities and family gatherings. A private family service will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery with Rev. Steve Yeaton officiating and military honors will be provided by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Survivors include his wife, Connie Gehrt; daughters, Betsy Gehrt of Columbus and Susan (Brad) Criswell of Columbus; sister, Shirley Cooey of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren, Tyler (Kelsea) Criswell of Loveland, OH, Sarah (Scott Overmyer) Criswell of Portland, OR, Aaron Barger of Columbus and Byron Barger of Columbus; nephews, Frank (Margaret) Gehrt, Dale (Karen) Cooey and Ray (Allison) Cooey; nieces, Alice Furst, Lisa (Jeff) Armour and Ginny (Dennis) Moon, Becky (Mitchell) Driver, Ellen Cooey and Kellie (Fred) McDaniel; cousins, Dr. Phil (Susan) Williford, Michael (Sharon) Williford and David (Laurence) Williford; a sister-in-law, Karen Cline. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeff Gehrt, brother, Clifford Gehrt; cousin, Mildred Williford; nephew, Marty Cline; brothers- in- law, Frank Cline and Bob Cooey. Memorial contributions may be made to FCC Capital Projects Campaign through First Christian Church, 531 5th St. Columbus, IN 47201.