Dr. Gary L. Gerhart, 64, lifetime resident of Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018. Dr. Gerhart was an art instructor in the Tippecanoe School Corporation for many years and taught at Mintoyne, Clarks Hill, and Battle Ground Elementary Schools. He also was an instructor of art education at Purdue University, teaching a course designed for elementary classroom teachers. He was born on March 22, 1953 in Lafayette where he attended public schools and graduated from Harrison High School in 1971. He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute and received his B.S. degree in art education from there in 1975. In 1977, he received his M.S. degree in education from Purdue University and in 1982 he received his Ph.D. degree in art education also from Purdue University. Dr. Gerhart had published several scholarly articles in the field of art education and was recognized as one of the leading authorities on motivational theory in art education. He had published a book regarding the life of the late actor, James Dean, who originated from Indiana. Dr. Gerhart was a professional floral designer and graduated from Hixson's School of Floral Design. At one time he had worked as a floral designer for McKinney's Flowers and Garrett's Flowers. Dr. Gerhart's professional experiences included membership in the Seminar for Research in Art Education, The National Art Education Association, the Art Education Association of Indiana, the education fraternity of Phi Delta Kappa, and the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. Surviving are his parents, William O. and Glenda (Corns) Gerhart of Monticello; his sister, Janna E. Gerhart of Ft. Wayne; several aunts and uncles; nieces and nephew, Erica, Alesa, and Grant Sawyers; and his dog, Dozer. Graveside Services will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Battle Ground Cemetery with Jacob Fisher officiating.