Walter J Everhart Jr.

Walter “J” Everhart Jr., age 78, of Gering, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, with Pastor Herb Rainey officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. The United States Air Force and the Gering American Legion Post 36 Honor Guard will provide military funeral honors. Memorials may be made in care of the Gering American Legion Post 36. The service will be livestreamed and recorded on J’s obituary page, viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

J was born on July 6, 1948, in Seminole, Oklahoma, to Rev. Walter J Sr. and Anna Lois (Wright) Everhart. He served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970 following his high school education. J served tours in Japan and Vietnam as an intelligence officer.

He married the love of his life, Linda Yvonne Tyler on March 17, 1976. When he returned to civilian life following the military, J worked in a variety of jobs with the majority of his time in law enforcement. Retirement did not last long for J, and he soon became employed with Enterprise Car Rental in Scottsbluff.

J’s favorite pastimes were motorcycling, snuggling with his favorite dog named Baily, and appreciating a good nap. He enjoyed volunteering with the local chapter of the American Legion and bowling in the Gering Bowling League. J loved to research and plan travel experiences, intermingling his love of western history in his home area along with travels to national parks and cruises. He and his wife Linda were successful in hiking rim to rim at the Grand Canyon National Park. J also successfully completed the hike down Carlsbad Caverns most remote depth at the age of 72. The park rangers said he was the oldest recorded hiker to have finished that accomplishment. J was always looking for the next adventure and living life to the fullest.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Linda Everhart; son, Thomas (Laura) Everhart; sister, Judy (Frank) Bartzatt; and grandson, Trevor Everhart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Anna Everhart.