John W. Harshbarger

HARSHBARGER, John W., age 80, of Butler Township, passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Kettering Medical Center. He was born August 16, 1931 in Huber Heights, Ohio son of the late Paul & Viola Harshbarger. John was a member of Ginghamsburg Church and active member of the Kiwanis Club> John served our country in the U. S Army during the Korean War, and gave selflessly to many charities. He made his career as a State Farm Insurance Agent in Vandalia for 30 years retiring in 1996. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn J. Harshbarger and son Lonnie Knapke. John is survived by 4 daughters: Connie Zax of Dallas, TX; Becky & husband Bill Faber of Tiffin; Sandy & husband Wes Young of Englewood; Tammy & husband Norbert Mertzman of Dayton; 1 daughter-in-law, Barbara Knapke of Houston, TX; 1 sister, Lillian & husband Bob Brenner of Lewisburg; grandchildren Michele, Amy, Nicole, Ashley, Chelsea, Emily, Jennifer A., Jennifer, Melanie (Boo), Amy, and Nikki; many great-grandchildren; very special companion, Betty Collinsworth; and numerous relatives and friends. John will be most be remembered as a loving, generous and compassionate man by his family and friends. He always thought of others before himself. Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M., Monday, July 30 at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia, Burial will be at Poplar Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from noon to 2 P.M. If so desired, contributions may be made to Dayton Heart and Cancer Research (Wellness Center) or SICSA.