The Rev. Harold D. Garber

The Rev. Harold David Garber, age 71, of Petersburg, W.Va., died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a battle with cancer.  

He was born March 17, 1941, in Petersburg, W.Va., and was a son of the late Ernest Cline and Charlotte Dean Garber.

He is survived by his wife, Irma Bauer Bergdoll Garber; five children, Yvonne Bergdoll Lantz (Lester Lantz), Sonja Bergdoll Harper (Terry Harper), Michelle Bergdoll Hedrick (Roy Hedrick), Germaine Bergdoll Hawkins (the late James Hawkins), and Darwin Bergdoll (Cheryl Burgess Bergdoll); and one brother, Joseph W. Garber of Hood, Va. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Harold attended the Grove Street United Methodist Church with his wife, Irma. Harold received his graduate degree from James Madison University, undergraduate from Bridgewater College and high school diploma from Petersburg High School in 1959. Harold spent his entire life in Petersburg, W.Va., working in the Grant County School System for 33 years, as a pastor for over 25 years, historical writer for the local papers for over 35 years, and was a broadcaster for many years for area sporting events. In addition, Harold was very involved in many community and civic organizations.

A memorial service will be Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at   11 a.m.  at Grove Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. William R. Brown and the Rev. Richard L. Longbon officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.  Burial will be private in Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Petersburg High School Scholarship Fund in his name, 89 Riverview Drive, Petersburg, WV 26847, or Grove Street United Methodist Church, 4 Myrtle Ave., Petersburg, WV 26847.  

Condolences can be sent to the family at P.O. Box 665, Petersburg, WV 26847.

Arrangements are under the direction of Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg, W.Va.