Laurence H. Harshbarger

Visitation for Laurence H. Harshbarger will be from 6-8pm Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington. He passed away August 12, 2006 at Geary Community Hospital. Funeral services and burial will be at a later date with Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Glidden, IA.

Laurence was born April 3, 1921 in rural Glidden, IA, the son of Harry and May (Bennett) Harshbarger. He graduated Glidden High School in 1938, Colleges attended include Iowa Teachers College (1938-1939), University Of Iowa, 1939-1942, BA degree, MA degree in 1950, University of Pennsylvania Ed. Dr. (1960), Member of Phi Delta Kappa Educational Honorary. Taught English and Speech in Iowa Schools(1942), Drafted in World War II and served in US Air Force in Alabama and Florida, (1943-1946) wrote Air Force History. Taught education courses, Middlebury College, (1946-1959., Married Mary Sigafoos in 1950. Taught Educational Psychology in Ball State (1959-1986), where his wife was a Reading Professor. He was a bird watcher and served on he board of East Central Indiana Audubon Society. Laurence was an accomplished poet, member of four poetry clubs and gained some recognition in the National poetry clubs competition. His "60 years of Poems" was published in 2000. He was interested in intellectual pursuits, conservation of natural rescoures and wildlife, and supported organizations protecting them. , Also a member of the Methodist church, only male member of Kappa Kappa Iota and a member of Junction City Lions Club. As his vision declined and driving and reading became impossible or difficult, he increased his interest in classical music and popular music of 1900-1950. He maintained lifelong friendships with classmates. They had two children, Warren and Jean. Mary preceded him in death in June of 1995.

Survivors include his children, Warren Harshbarger, Jean and husband James Wohler, and grandchildren Evan and Marie Wohler.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister