George William (Billy) Gebhardt, 95, Archie, MO, died Thursday, May 12, 2011 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 16, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Archie. Burial will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at the Atkinson Chapel in Archie, MO.

George William (Billy) Gebhardt of Archie, Missouri, was born July 27, 1915 the only son of Herman William and Ina Bell Black Gebhardt in Deer Creek Township, Bates County, Missouri. Late last week our family learned both Billy and Lucile were nearing the end of their lives, and gathered to comfort them and say goodbye. In the evening of May 12, his children and grandchildren stood together and wept as Billy was peacefully reunited with his wife Lucile, who passed just a few days earlier.

To know Billy is to know his work ethic; he was always working – it was his life. And his efforts were marked by innovation and accomplishments in business and the community, some of which include:

He was a diversified farmer with special interest in Angus and Chianina cattle. He was known for his Angus breeding. One of his proudest moments was the recognition he received for his Grand Champion Angus Steer at the Missouri State Fair.

For 21 years he worked as a dairy man. His milking parlor was the first of its kind using electric milking technology that was recognized as innovative across the country. Even visiting international business people visited his operation.

In the 1960's he began to build houses and is responsible for many structures in Archie. He also owned a concrete business in Butler for several years.

In 1959 he was ordained as Deacon and in 1992 he was bestowed as Deacon Emeritus at the First Baptist Church in Archie.

He was community-minded and many of his projects provided improvements for the town of Archie and the church. He made significant contributions to organizations like the Archie Sports Complex and Cass County Regional Medical Center. On December 31, 2009 he was honored by the Cass County Commission for outstanding continuing community service.

To know Billy is to know his character; you could count on him to keep his word. If he said he was going to do something, rest assured, he would. His integrity and honor was something to be admired, and his actions inspired people who knew him. He was known as an old-fashioned guy who believes in a person's word – and it's been said that his word is gold.

To know Billy is to know his courage; there wasn't anything he couldn't handle – and he was like that as far back as any of us can remember. He battled death when he was 17 after a terrible accident on the farm. The doctors said he would never work again – well, the joke was on them.
Billy is survived by his three children: Judy Pickle, Jack Gebhardt and wife Priscilla, and Vicki Baker and husband James. His extended family includes three grandchildren: Trey Pickle and wife Jennifer St. Cyr, Tori Berndt and husband Derek, and Zach Gebhardt, and two great-grand children: Evan and Ivy Berndt.

Billy was old-fashioned. He was simple and tough. Only a few have seen his softer side, as he was particular about sharing; but it was there in many ways. When someone did catch a glimpse of the tenderness of his heart, it was real. We will miss him.