Charles Garber Jr.

Charles "Charlie" Garber Jr., 95, returned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported and gave him peace.

Charlie was born to the late Charles Henry Garber Sr. and Mae Forrest (Waisner) Garber in Bunker Hill, Indiana on October 21, 1923. He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support. He graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1941. Charlie worked at Haynes International as a group leader for over 44 years.

Charlie received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1943. During his life, Charlie was a trustee at the Bunker Hill First Baptist Church for several years. He also attended the Assembly of God and Abundant Life Church, where he was a very active member for many years. Pastor Charlie, office staff, and members of the Abundant Life Church were involved in his life. They have blessed him on many occasions.

Charles was a great lover of sports serving 31 years as an IHSAA certified official from 1943 to 1974 in basketball and baseball. Charles also was a Bunker Hill Little League manager for 12 years, just when this program was started. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and was a member of the Bunker Hill Fish & Game Club.

Charlie was blessed with a large and loving family. He married fellow Christian Kathleen Annette (Smith) Garber on June 5, 1941 at the Bunker Hill Methodist parsonage. He attended there several years before attending and joining the Bunker Hill First Baptist Church. Charlie helped raise his five children with patience, discipline, and humility. From the very beginning he dedicated his children to God.

Charlie is survived by his five children: Stephen Craig Garber, Sally Jo (Garber) Walther, Theodore Smith Garber, Marilyn Dianne (Garber) Jackson, and Charles Timothy Garber; his 12 grandchildren; his 17 great-grandchildren; his sister Devita (Garber) Ogle; and his sister-in-law Marilyn (Smith) Shreve.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen (Smith) Garber, his brother Lawrence Garber, and his sisters Kathryn (Garber) Betzner and Madelyn (Garber) Shriver. Charles and Kathleen were married 73 years and lived in Bunker Hill in the same house

Visitation will be held from 11am – 1pm on Monday, May 20, 2019 at Allen Funeral Home, 136 South Elm Street, Bunker Hill, Indiana.  Funeral service will follow at 1pm, with Reverend Charles Riley officiating.  Burial will take place at the Springdale Cemetery in Bunker Hill, Indiana.  A reception will follow at the Bunker Hill United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Abundant Life Church, 1025 CR 400 East, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.  Prayers, condolences, and memories are gladly accepted at the Allen Funeral Home. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Guardian Angel Hospice & Northwoods Common for support in his final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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