John David Earhart was born in Stuttgart, Arkansas to the late Veda Hartgraves and Benjamin Howard Earhart on September 9, 1937. John grew up in this tight-knit family with his brother Lawrence Howard and his sister Carolyn Sue. In 1955, he graduated Highschool in Stuttgart and married Barbara Jean Huff. He became a soldier for the US Air Force the same year. John and Jean welcomed their son, Michael in 1958, daughter Tina in 1960, and son Steve in 1964.

As a soldier, John served abroad in Argentina, and later in Saigon during the Vietnam war. He mastered hydraulic mechanics working on airplanes and taught fellow soldiers the craft. John retired from the US Air Force in 1976 as a Senior Master Sergeant after 22 years of service and moved the family to Denton, Texas. He worked as a hydraulic mechanic for various private sector companies before establishing his own hydraulic repair business in Denton known as Mr. Fix-it. He shared the shop with close buddies and with his son Steve. They each ran their own businesses out of the shop. He and Steve worked side by side every day, had lunch together most days, and for many years, lived in the same house. He closed the doors of Mr. Fixit for full retirement after 30 years.

John married one of his favorite dance partners, Peggy Jo Caffey, in 1992 and faithfully laid her to rest in 2016.

John Earhart served as Senior Vice Commander, Junior Vice Commander and House Committee Leader of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2205 and served as Post Commander 1983 - 1984. The VFW was a passion of his and he loved the people there. Not much was better than hanging out at the VFW, having a beer or the occasional Jameson, and visiting with his buddies.

And he loved playing poker. John started the poker club at the VFW years ago and looked forward to playing every Tuesday night. The last time he played was Tuesday night last week. (Don't worry Pastor Jeffrey. He often tithed his winnings to the church!) When his daughter would ask "Are you going to win tonight?" his answer was always "Absolutely!"

He was a member of 1st Baptist Church, Denton for many years and though the latter years took away much of his mobility, he remained a faithful member of the church.

John David Earhart went to his reward on September 19th, 2025.

Preceded in death by parents Veda and Benjamin Howard Earhart; brother Lawrence & his wife Nadine Earhart; sister Carolyn Sue & her husband Bill Foster; John's 1st wife and the mother of his children, Barbara Jean Earhart; and wife Peggy Jo Earhart.

Survived by son Michael & his wife Debbie Earhart, daughter Tina Earhart, and son Steve Earhart & his wife Shannon Moon; Grandchildren: Jennifer Earhart, Sarah Taylor, Jasmine & her husband Jeff Barton, Georgia Earhart, Jacob Earhart; ten great-grandchildren and six great great-grandchildren. Extended family: Kathleen & Joe Galicia, Angela & Steve Cannon, and a host of other beloved extended family and treasured friends.

Visitation will be held in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors Denton, Texas on Friday September 26 from 1-2 PM. Immediately followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Interment to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, Texas.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the VFW Post 2205 on Sunset in Denton at 4PM to celebrate a great man and raise a glass in his honor! Thank you to our friends at the Post for hosting.

In lieu of flowers, please give to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, Post 2205 non-profit General Fund to support local Veterans.