Gary George Nearhoof, age 85, of Midland, GA and formerly of Burnham, PA, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024 in the presence of his family in Bloomsburg, PA. Gary was a resident of Midland, GA for 37 years. He was born on May 25, 1939 in Lewistown, PA and was the son of the late George and Violet (Searer) Nearhoof.

He was a lifetime member of Grace United Methodist Church. Upon graduating from Chief Logan High School, Burnham, in 1957, Gary enlisted into the United States Army. On July 7, 1963 he married Sandra J. Hess of Bloomsburg. During his 30 years of active service in the U.S. Army, Gary was a Chaplain's Assistant and a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired with the NCO rank of Sergeant Major (SGM) in January, 1988.

As a civilian, Gary taught at St. Patrick Catholic School, worked 18 years for the Muscogee County School District (GA), and worked 30 years for H & R Block. Gary was a member of the Exchange Club of Columbus, GA. He was an avid fan of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team and enjoyed attending Little League World Series. Throughout his life, Gary pursued his passion for music, playing the trombone and being the music director and/or organist/pianist for various churches including 37+ years for All Saints (New Hope) Presbyterian Church, GA. Gary's love for his cats and dogs provided a loving home for them for many years.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife Sandra of 61 years, children Kimberly Nearhoof-O'Malley, Michael & Penny (Long) Nearhoof, Nicole Nearhoof and fiancée Greg Trapane, and Andrew & Stephanie (Eifert) Nearhoof; grandchildren Megan O'Malley, Kayle (Kelley) & Skylar Cobb, Kate O'Malley & Patrick Yorks, Tony Nearhoof, Ausialee (Nearhoof) & Andrew Breisch, and Nathan & Sarah (Miller) Nearhoof; 7 great-grandchildren; two brothers Gene Nearhoof and Teddy Nearhoof; as well as nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Open Door Christian Fellowship Church, 291 Mall Blvd, Bloomsburg at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Peter Albrecht. An additional Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4026 Macon Road, Columbus, GA at 11:00 am, officiated by Rev. Taylor Burton Edwards and Rev. David Hamm, S.T.


Memorial contributions in Gary's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to the following: New Hope Presbyterian Church, 4142 Weems Rd, Columbus, GA 31909; St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4026 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA 31907; St. Patrick Catholic Church, c/o Lazarus Society, 1502 Broad St, Phenix City, AL 36867; Exchange Club, c/o Child Abuse Prevention, PO Box 1466, Columbus, GA 31902. The Allen Funeral Home, 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Nearhoof family.