Wilbur Eugene Harbaugh

The Reverend Wilbur Eugene Harbaugh went home to be with his Lord May 6, 2011, while in the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, at the age of 83 years, 3 months and 5 days. We have no doubt he was welcomed into the open arms of his Savior with “well done my good and faithful servant.” One of two sons of the late Henry A. and Bertha Mae (Benson) Harbaugh, Reverend Harbaugh was born February 1, 1928 in Hutchinson, Kansas. His brother, Herbert and daughter Kathleen also preceded him in death. Wilbur grew up in Hutchinson where he and his younger brother often played in the Coffee Plant his father operated. He spoke fondly of football days. He was starting right guard and place kicker for the Hutchinson High School Salt Hawks 1946 Kansas State Champions. He graduated from Hutchinson High School later that year and completed two years of under-graduate study at Ottawa College where he also lettered in football. Wilbur also played football for the U.S. Marine Corps. From 1948 to 1952, Wilbur served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Staff Sergeant Harbaugh served on Guam, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of his military service, Reverend Harbaugh earned his under-graduate degree from Wayland College in Plainview, Texas in 1954. He surrendered to the call of the Lord to the ministry and in 1957, received his Bachelor of Theology from the Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Reverend Harbaugh was the founding pastor of First Baptist Church in Jasper, Indiana -- a large, active church which has ministered to the community continuously since 1958. He then came to Missouri, serving as Pastor at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bucklin; Bethany Baptist in Marceline; and the First Baptist in Doniphan. Upon coming to Pulaski County, he pastored First Baptist Church of Waynesville from July, 1964 to September, 1983 and later started the Gateway Southern Baptist Church in St. Robert, where he led his ministry until his death. Pastor Harbaugh was an avid supporter of his community motivated to help others. He worked extensively with the Salvation Army and American Red Cross. He was the organizer of the Saints and Sinners basketball games from 1972-1982 to raise money for the American Red Cross. He was named the 1996 Waynesville/St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, designated by the Missouri House of Representatives, House Resolution 93. In 2007 he was the recipient of the American Red Cross Everyday Hero Award, Phelps/Pulaski Service Unit. In 2009 he was honored by the Salvation Army for over twenty years of service. Reverend Harbaugh also worked with the Fort Leonard Wood Chaplains, Pulaski County Ministerial Alliance and was a member of the Missouri Southern Baptist Convention. Reverend Harbaugh leaves to cherish his memory, his children: Cynthia Breyfogle (Bill) of Asheville, NC and David Harbaugh (Kathy) of St. Robert, MO and their mother: Charlotte Harbaugh of Beaufort, SC; three grandchildren: Gerram Mathews (Leah), April Grosvenor (Steve) and Kale Harbaugh; four great grandchildren: Darien, Riley, and Regan Grosvenor and Isaac Mathews; very dear friend: Kitty Scott of Waynesville, MO; other relatives and a host of friends. Memorial services with military honors were held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2011 in the Maranatha Baptist Church of St. Robert with Pastor Keith Carnahan officiating. Pianist Mark Rowden provided music for the visitation prior to the service and also the prelude. The congregation was led in singing “Because He Lives” and “Standing on the Promises”. Soloist Maria Mesa sang “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and Soloist Matt Mathews was accompanied by Pianist Laura Mathews as he sang “I’d Rather Have Jesus”. David Lowe gave a beautiful eulogy and Pastor Roger Wright gave the dismissal prayer. Military honors were provided by the Missouri Honors Team. Private family burial was held at Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested in memory Rev. Wilbur Harbaugh to the Pulaski County Salvation Army and may be left at the funeral home.

Wilbur Eugene Harbaugh

February 1, 1928 - May 6, 2011