Harold Claude Libert

HAROLD CLAUDE LIBERT 
July 7, 1923 – February 26, 2023 

Rev. Harold Claude Libert of Union City, Indiana, age 99, passed away on February 26, 2023, at the JAG Union City Care Center. 

He was born on July 7, 1923, in Wadsworth, Ohio, the son of Claude Libert and Maude Collier Libert. At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II at the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class while stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, Jacksonville, Florida and San Diego, California. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Ohio, where he met his future wife, Jerrine Forrer, to whom he was married for nearly 74 years. 
 
Harold studied engineering at The Ohio State University, receiving his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree in June 1952. Upon graduation, he worked at Battelle Institute and Janitrol Aero Division in Columbus Ohio while starting a family in a nearby suburb. But during this time, an important event occurred that would shape Harold’s future – he received God’s calling to full-time ministry. While working a part-time schedule at Janitrol, he attended The Evangelical Lutheran Seminary in Bexley, Ohio, obtaining his Bachelor of Divinity degree in June 1966. 

Harold and Jerri moved to Union City, Indiana in 1966 with their three sons, Richard (Rick), Mark, and Timothy (Tim). He remained in Union City for the remainder of his life, first pastoring Trinity Lutheran Church during its transition to a new building, and, later, founding and pastoring Overcomer Assembly. He also was employed as an Engineering Manager at Maul Bros (later Maul Technology) in Winchester, Indiana. When First Christian Church asked him to lead their congregation as a “temporary” pastor, Harold gladly accepted – and remained their regular pastor for over twenty more years. 

Jerri and Harold loved traveling, taking annual trips to Maine and upstate New York, also having visited Norway, Austria, England, and other European locations. He enjoyed his sporty cars along with woodworking and similar projects, spending countless hours helping his children and others. He had a lifelong interest and keen eye for photography, documenting nearly all stages of his family life and entering a number of photos in local contests. 

Harold is survived by his sons Richard C. Libert and Mark H. Libert, his two daughters-in-law, Cindy Libert (Staggs) and Susie Libert (Miller), and grandchildren by marriage Clint Gamester and Chelsea Pahl. He was preceded in death by his sisters Dorothy Libert, Francee Milner and Betty Kelser; a third son, Timothy H. Libert; and, most recently, his wife, Jerrine Libert. 

The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at JAG Union City Care Center and EverHeart Hospice during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Everheart Hospice. 

Visitation will be held at the Reichard Funeral Home in Union City, Indiana on Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with services immediately following, The Rev. Father Peter Logsdon officiating. Burial will be in the Union City Cemetery. 

Memories may be expressed online at www.reichardfh.com.