Ray Hartbarger, 85 passed away peacefully after a long illness on February 28, 2020.

He was born on July 16, 1934 in Jeff, Kentucky, to William Franklin Hartbarger and Josie Ann Nipper.  He attended Mishawaka High School through the 10 ^th grade and then obtained his GED later in life.  He graduated from Oakland City College in 1974 with a BA degree in the ministry.  He also attended Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky before transferring to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduating with an M. Div. degree in 1977.  During the course of his life, he worked at various automotive dealerships including Jordan Ford City in Mishawaka, Indiana, first as a line mechanic, and later as a parts and service manager.  Ray could tell what was wrong with a car just by listening to it.  He then purchased and ran Ray's Northside Gulf Service Station in Mishawaka, Indiana before entering the ministry which would be his lifelong passion and profession.  He pastored various General Baptist and Methodist churches in Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri for 41 years.

Ray was a devoted family man and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Alice (Smith) Hartbarger; and his two daughters: Brenda McAllister and her husband, Roy of Palo, Iowa; Julie Blacksher and her husband, Mike of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; and one daughter, Kathy Lynn Hartbarger.

Ray enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing card games, and watching basketball and football.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life.  He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2020, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy., Osceola, Indiana.  The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, Indiana.