Richard Lee Harshberger

Richard Lee Harshberger, 82, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Family will meet with friends from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., Monday, September 9, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church. Funeral service will immediately follow at 10:30 A.M. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by the United States Air Force. Lee was born January 24, 1937, in Westphalia, Kansas, the son of Howard and Ruby (Newton) Harshberger. He has been a resident of Ottawa since 1987, moving from De Soto. He graduated from LeRoy High School with the class of 1955. Lee enlisted in the United States Air Force from July 1957 to June 1961. Lee was united in marriage to Marguerite L. “Peggy” Emery August 10, 1962 in Old Town, Maine. She preceded him in death on February 20, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents and son, Chris Harshberger; and granddaughter, Danielle Comstock. Survivors include daughter, Winona With of Beecher City, Illinois; two brothers, Dale Harshberger of Wichita and Gary Harshberger of Lawrence; twelve grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Lee was employed as a heavy equipment mechanic and crane inspector for many years. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Oxford Service Forum Sunday School Class and held many church offices. Lee enjoyed draft horse pulling at state and county fairs, trout fishing, and above all spending time with his family. The family suggests memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Lee’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com