Jack Gebhart, 87, died on 11/3/23 at Salina Regional Health Center after a short bout with heart disease. Born in Hollywood, California, Jack’s family relocated to Salina, Kansas, where Jack graduated from Salina High in 1954 and earned a degree in Agriculture and Applied Sciences from Kansas State University.

Jack held a variety of jobs throughout his long working career. He began young, running the family farm while he attended high school and college. He spent time working for the City of Salina Development Services Department before becoming the assistant superintendent of the Salina Parks Department. Jack eventually found another career that he enjoyed as a commercial driver, picking up and delivering turbo chargers all across the country. He had many great stories to tell about the various plants and ships that he got to visit during his many trips.  He was even able to drop in and surprise his daughter in California from time to time during his driving days.  For much of his earlier adult life, Jack also worked as a reserve deputy after serving time as an active member of the Saline County Deputy Sheriff’s office.

Throughout his life, Jack was an avid hunter, fisherman and camper and he passed his love of these things down to his children.

From a young age, Jack had a knack for working with just about any material. From leather to forging metal, he was able to produce or repair just about anything. This skill lent itself well to his passion for working on cars and trucks.

Jack possessed many different vehicles throughout his life including some memorable ones like the “Trick Truck” that he and his lifelong friend Mick spent years drag racing and his beloved Studebaker, that he sold as a young man, only to reunite with it years later and restore. Jack was also an excellent shot with about any type of firearm, winning many awards during his competitive phase. He passed the love of guns and shooting to his children and grandchildren, using a patience that few have to teach safety and proper technique. Jack was also a gifted artist, and the family will cherish some of the artwork that he completed in different mediums.

Jack had a true love for his family and friends. He still attended regular lunches with high school friends and breakfast nearly every morning, where they could discuss life events and reminisce about past exploits. For years, Jack and his wife Martha could be found somewhere in the pack of Thursday night cruisers, sometimes including one or more of the grandchildren in the rides.

He was a true supporter of his children and grandchildren, braving heat, and bad weather to cheer them on during sporting events or sitting through some truly awful grade school music concerts with a smile on his face, he was always there when he could be.

Jack is survived by his wife, Martha Gebhart, of Salina; his daughter, Kimberly Gebhart and husband John, of California; and five sons, Scott Gebhart and wife Billie, of Ohio; John Householter and wife Christy, of Texas; Ron Householter and wife Jody, of Smolan; Eric Householter and wife Kim, of Salina; and Aaron Householter, of Salina; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren that loved their Grandpa Jack.

A celebration of life service with be held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at 10:30 am at Ryan Mortuary.