Christian Earhart

Christian D. (Chris) Earhart, 60, of Bluffton passed away on Tuesday morning, August 19, 2025, at his residence into the loving arms of God, free of pain, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 18, 1965, in Bluffton, Indiana to Charles D. Earhart and Louise D. (Bertsch) Earhart. Chris married Jennifer Thompson in Bluffton on July 13, 1991. They welcomed their daughter Shelby Earhart in 1992. Chris never shied away from hard work. In his teen years, his first job was working for Chuck and Juanita Munson on the family farm under Rod and Max, doing various farm jobs. Chris graduated from Norwell High School in 1984 and briefly worked at North American Van Lines in Fort Wayne as a dispatcher. In the spring of 1985, Chris began working at Sterling Casting in Bluffton at the age of 19. He remained there for 18 years until it’s closing in 2003. After the foundry closed, Chris worked at PolyHigh Solidur in Fort Wayne and Gold Shield in Decatur, before finishing his career at Dairy Farmers of America in Huntington. Chris worked for 20 years at this location. Chris was a member of Tocsin Methodist Church, where he was baptized. Chris and Jennifer welcomed their only granddaughter, Piper Mae, in 2015, and she is their pride and joy. Piper quickly became Chris’s fishing partner, dancing partner and overall little shadow. Chris didn’t know a stranger. Anyone and everyone was welcome to his backyard retreat to often times enjoy the rewards of his fishing and hunting. He was an avid Chicago BEARS fan. Many family and friends have spent time around his meticulously stacked fire pit. His booming voice, but gentle soul was always present. He often had a story to tell or a funny, sometimes embarrassing event to share. Always in detail, often under the watchful side eye of Jenn, with one ear listening. If you know, you know. He was always open to a night in his garage “man cave,” throwing darts, playing cards, or partaking in mischievous dares, often involving his nieces and nephews who adored him. Chris and Jenn’s house was the fun Aunt and Uncle house where many sleepovers occurred. Chris was all about family and friends. Young and old, he could connect with anyone. He absolutely adored his girls, Jenn, Shelby and Piper. They were his world and always by his side. Chris is preceded in death by his parents, along with his father-in-law, William “Bill” G. Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his daughter Shelby (fiancé Clint Baumgartner) Earhart and a granddaughter Piper Mae Earhart “Precious Punk Punk”, who lovingly called him Pa. He is also survived by his siblings, Anita (Brian) Penrod and Charlie (Deb) Earhart, along with his loving mother-in-law, Cheryl Thompson (Craig) Mann and brother- and sister-in laws, Jeff (Tonya) Thompson and Jami (Tim) Prough. Additionally, Chris had many nieces and nephews, Derrick (Nina) Penrod, Logan (Kristen) Penrod, Jobe (Tessa) Thompson, Josh Thompson, Derek (Lacey) Prough, Trevor (fiancé Elyse) Prough, Brook Earhart and Jaci Prough, great-nephews Emmett Earhart and Jason Prough, great-nieces Lila and Addie Penrod, Tallulah Thompson and Emily Prough. Our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers have lost a good one, and he will be greatly missed by all. Fly high Chris! Visitation will be held from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, (August. 25, 2025) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton, and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, (August 26, 2025) at the funeral home with Rev. Lyle Breeding officiating. Memorials may be made to Friends Who Care Cancer Relief Foundation or Stillwater Hospice and can be directed to the funeral home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.

Christian Earhart

March 18, 1965 - August 19, 2025