Gerald Harbison's Obituary
Gerald (Jerry) Edward Gale Harbison, 80, of Decatur, passed away Friday, February 16, 2018, at Sullivan Healthcare. He spent the last day of his life surrounded by his family before peacefully making his way home to the Lord.
Gerald was born April 23, 1937, in Pilot Knob, MO, to Edward Eugene and Vivian Eulala (Short) Harbison. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. He married Barbara Inman on May 6, 1961 in Festus, MO. She passed away January 25, 2012.
Gerald spent his time in the service stationed in Bermuda, where he served as a cryptographer handling classified information for the military. After returning home, he became a draftsman’s for General Electric before starting his career in restaurant management. He would then move to institutional food and equipment sales which he would continue until retirement.
Gerald’s hobbies included golf and boating, both of which he shared with his children throughout their childhood. He also had a passion for cars which he would share memories and pictures from his youth showing the progression of vehicles throughout time. This passion has been passed down through generations to now include his grandchildren.
He is survived by his two children, Gayle (Amy) Harbison of Decatur and Geoff (Shan) Harbison of Decatur; two grandchildren, Bradley and Joie Harbison; and one sister, Peggy Joyce Anderson of Barnhart, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; and two sisters, Shirley Ann Bowling and Brenda Sue Bearman.
Graveside services to celebrate the life of Gerald Harbison will be 1p.m. Friday, February 23, 2018, at Graceland Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials may be directed to “Come Together, Let’s Walk – Decatur” 1610 Woodland Drive, Mt. Zion, IL 62549.
Video Tribute for Gerald E. G. Harbison: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/7JJ4ST5JDGCLR5GL
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