Joseph Marion Gebhardt, 89, of Leonardtown, MD passed away at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital on December 16, 2015. Born in Silver Hill, MD he also lived in District Heights, MD, and Clinton, MD, before moving to Leonardtown, where he resided for 23 years.

Joe's two years serving in the Marines during World War II colored the rest of his life. He often said Marine boot camp was a piece of cake after being raised by a German immigrant father. The toughness and discipline instilled in him by his father and the Marines went on to define his life. His perseverance and sacrifice were pillars in the story of his life. These qualities served Joe well when he left his steady job installing telephones for the DC Government to venture out on his own and grow his part time landscaping business. After all, his fourth child had just been born and he needed more money to support his growing family.

Landscaping turned into contracting, and he founded the business we all know him for, Gebhardt, Inc. His men completed many federal government jobs, and at one time he had over 100 employees. Landlord was added to his resume when he built a warehouse in Clinton, and later office buildings on Allentown Road. Through them all, he was a tough but caring boss who saw many successes in his life.

Though work drove him, he also was a member of Gateway Lions Club for 51 years, and loved to spend weekends at the river with his boat. He enjoyed entertaining both friends and employees at his home, where he and Fay hosted large family gatherings for every holiday, especially on his birthday, July 4th. Key to those gatherings was his sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye when he smiled, which everyone so much enjoyed.

Joe's life was all about work and all about family. He was cherished and looked up to. Joe set examples for all of us to follow and departs as a man who should rightfully be proud of all he achieved in life.

Joe leaves behind a grand family of 42, including son, Edmund (Frankie); daughters, Mary Jo Gebhardt and Lynn Poole (Ronnie); Susan and Wes Brashear; grandchildren, Vicky Gebhardt, Zach Poole, Whitney Poole, Dave Gebhardt (Kelly), Joseph Guido (Laura), Nicki Travers (Jack), Daryl Gebhardt (Christina), Elizabeth Taby (Matt), Casey Gebhardt (Sean), William Gebhardt, Dusty Gebhardt, Tierney Guido, Aric Gebhardt, Ryan Gebhardt, and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Fay Wood Gebhardt, and two sons, John Michael Gebhardt and David Alan Gebhardt.

Family will receive friends for Joe's Life Celebration on Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be held on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 2:30 p.m., at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.