Neil Robert Gerhart

Neil Robert Gerhart went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2022. Neil was born on August 1, 1928 in Peru, IN to Fern and Milo Poff. The latter was deceased in an airplane accident on July 4th, 1931. Upon his mother’s marriage to Paul Gerhart in 1945, Neil was adopted and his name changed from Poff to Gerhart. While in high school, Neil enlisted in the Indiana National Guard, where he rose to rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After graduating from Ball State University in Muncie, IN with degrees in mathematics and business, he was given a direct commission in the U.S. Army. On May 31st,1953 he married Alice Jones, who he’d met in high school. Their first home was in Franklin, IN while Neil was stationed at Camp Atterbury, IN. Later, they were transferred to Ft. Carson, where they soon fell in love with Colorado. Upon the end of his Army commitment, Neil was given an honorable discharge at which time he started a thirty-six year career as a pioneer in computer software systems programing UNIVAC I and IBM 650 systems at General Electric in Louisville, KY. Within two years, he was hired by RAND Corporation to develop and install software for the U.S. Air Force at Strategic Air Command Headquarters in Omaha, NE. In 1960, he moved his family to Colorado Springs when he was hired to develop software systems for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He completed his software systems career as the Deputy Commander of Software Systems, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

After retirement, Neil spent considerable time working in various schools in Colorado Springs teaching and encouraging children to love mathematics. In addition, he enjoyed the Kiwanis Service Organization where he held offices as Club President, Lt. Governor, Governor and a member of six Kiwanis International committees. He was also an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs and loved each member of his family.

Neil was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Alice Gerhart and his daughter Judith Gerhart. He is survived by his son Jeff Gerhart (Vicki) of Monument, CO and the two granddaughters that he adored Ashley Gerhart of Parker, CO and Madison Gerhart of Ft. Collins, CO.

A celebration of life will be held February 7th at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, 219 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialgardensfuneralhome.com for the Gerhart family.