Phillip Lee Gerhardt, 78, passed away on September 23, 2025, at his home in Ozark, Missouri. He was born on January 8, 1947, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of Vernon Gerhardt and Lorene (Martin) Gerhardt.

He spent the first half of his adulthood working in the restaurant industry, managing Howard Johnson's and later working for George's in Springfield, before opening and operating his own restaurant, La Mesa, for several years in Ozark.

In 1989, Phillip returned to school with just a 9th grade education and graduated from SMS (now MSU) in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a minor in Religious Studies. Phillip spent the next two decades as a Social Worker working for various companies and organizations such as Christian Health Care Hospice and SCIL (Empower: Abilities) before retiring in 2015.

Phillip loved fishing, watching boxing, enjoying strawberries and popsicles, and one of his most beloved passions was singing. Marty Robbins and Elvis were among his favorites. He also enjoyed flipping cars, discussing philosophy, religion, the cosmos, and delighting others with his unique wit. He cherished being around loved ones. Phillip often said he would be nothing without his family.

In 2016, Phillip became very ill and was preparing to leave this world, when he received a life-saving double liver and kidney transplant at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St Louis. Phillip went on to spend nine special years around his family and his "babies".

During this time, he also enjoyed watching car shows like Vice Grip Garage with his cat, Kenny, and taking walks around his yard to stay fit. He loved to see the morning glory flowers during his walks and would often talk about them.

Phillip is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bernadine Gerhardt; sister Gayle Moore; children Phillip Gerhardt Jr, Chris Gerhardt, Kim Fulks Gerhardt, Nathan Gerhardt; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; former wife and mother of three children, Ruth Williams; siblings Irene Gerhardt Grubes, Wallace Gerhardt, and Danny Gerhardt; and his beloved daughter, Tracy Gerhardt.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 12th, 2:00 p.m., at Oak Grove Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rogersville, 2007 State Highway 125, Rogersville, MO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.