William Harrell "Bud" Eberhart

In the year of the Lord of 2011, William Harrell Eberhart, 91, passed away February 8th, at his home. Born September 3, 1919, in Shelby County, he was the son of William and Vivian (Harrell) Eberhart. He married his long time high school sweetheart, Ruth Cherry on December 29, 1938, and she preceded him in death on September 26, 1999, after 60 years of marriage. Survivors include his daughters, Mary (husband, Keith) Sigman of Shelbyville, Martha (husband, Steve) Emminger of North Vernon and Marcia (husband, Robert) Casburn of Blanchard, Oklahoma; sons, Michael (wife, Sherry) Eberhart, Martin (wife, Margaret) Eberhart and Marvin (wife, Judy) Eberhart, all of Shelbyville; sister, Lorene Scott of Shelbyville; 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorthea Parker; granddaughter, Teresa Sigman, and great-great-grandson, Shawn Austin Ash. A lifelong resident of Shelbyville, Mr. Eberhart was a 1937 graduate of Mount Auburn High School and was the last living member of the class. He delivered the Shelbyville News for 14 years, drove a milk truck and operated a dairy farm for most of his life. Mr. Eberhart joined Mount Gilead Baptist Church more than 75 years ago, had served as a deacon, sang in the choir and was the oldest living member. He was a member of Shelbyville Masonic Lodge more than 70 years and served on the board of directors of Miller Cemetery more than 65 years. He was the last surviving charter member of the Marietta Volunteer Fireman's Association, where he also was a director. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Friday, February 11, 2011 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville, with Masonic Rites at 7 PM and from 10 to 10:30 am, Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 4449 S. Smithland Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the church, with Pastor Bryan Trotter and Rev. Robert Campbell officiating. Interment will be in Miller Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 4449 S. Smithland Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or the charity of the donor?s choice.