Rev. Harold B. Statler

Rev. Harold B. Statler, 85, died peacefully with his children by his side at 1:15 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2013 at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester, IN. Harold was born in Huntingdon, PA to Rev. Dr. Foster and Grace (Stayer) Statler. He graduated from Manchester College with a B.A. in Sociology in 1949. In 1952, he earned a B.D. from Bethany Theological Seminary. He was married to Ruth Ludwick June 4, 1950 and enjoyed a 57 year marriage. Harold was a dedicated church leader. He served as Assistant to the Pastor of the "Walnut Street" Church of the Brethren in North Manchester and upon graduating from seminary was pastor of the First (now Northview) Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis. He then began a twenty-eight year career in the ecumenical movement. He served as Council of Churches executive in Indiana, Kansas and York County (PA). He initiated inter-church programs and services, promoted Christian education, and worked faithfully toward building Christian unity. Following retirement in 1986, they lived in West Virginia and continued their Christian service. Upon Ruth's passing on January 24, 2008, Harold moved to Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester. Harold deeply loved classical music, reading and discussing current events, as well as historical, biblical and theological subjects. He was an active member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren and on the Boards of Directors of the Shepherd Center in North Manchester and Seniors for Peace at Timbercrest. Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Statler. He is survived by his son Michael Statler of Muncie, IN, daughter Suzanne Statler (husband Tom List, 3 step-grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren) of Port Costa, CA , and daughter Amy Statler Bahnson (husband Poul Bahnson and grandsons, Peter and Erik) of Palm Springs, CA. His memorial service will be held at the Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM. Visitation begins at the chapel at 1:00 PM and continues after the service. Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Condolences may be sent to the Statler family at mckeemortuary.com Memorial Contributions can be made to: Manchester Shepherd's Center, P.O. Box 243, North Manchester, IN 46962 or On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776.