Harrison Delano Gapter

Harrison Delano Gapter was born on November 1, 1955, in South Charleston, West Virginia, the son of Norman F. Gapter and Elizabeth A. (Stonestreet) Gapter. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep sense of duty, a commitment to serving others, and a faith that would guide the course of his entire life.

Raised in West Virginia, Harrison developed the values of integrity, discipline, and compassion that would define his character. During his college years, he participated in military training programs that further strengthened his dedication to leadership, responsibility, and service.

In time, Harrison answered a higher calling to Christian ministry. He devoted much of his life to preaching the Gospel, caring for those in need, and providing spiritual guidance to countless individuals. As pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he earned the respect and affection of his congregation through his wisdom, humility, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Harrison was married for many years to Cynthia Kay Graf Gapter, his partner in life and ministry until her passing in 2021.

In November 2023, he married Sara McManus, with whom he shared the final chapter of his life. Together they enjoyed companionship, faith, dancing, and mutual support, creating cherished memories during their years together.

Sara brought family and travel into Harry’s life in a way he had never experienced before as he never had kids prior to this part of his life. He learned about Latin Culture focusing mostly on Peru and Argentina. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, sharing his stories, his love of history, and his appreciation for the country and the God he loved so dearly. Together, the family traveled to Virginia, where they explored museums, historic sites, and battlefields. Although large family adventures were not something he had been accustomed to, he always made the effort to be present, especially when one of the grandchildren would excitedly say, “Grandpa Harry, let’s go!”

In the final years of his life, Harrison discovered a new kind of expectation as he realized how much he wanted his family to visit. He loved when his older grandchildren, Alan and Ezequiel, along with their parents, Luciana and Gabriel, would come to visit, and he enjoyed learning about Argentina, its customs, and the traditions that were so important to them. He loved Luciana’s potato and egg salad, Argentinean chorizo and when Gabriel and Leo would cook Argentinean Entrañas.

He treasured the time spent with Nadia, Tim, Mateo, and Milena, sharing stories over a glass of wine and creating lasting memories together. He also deeply appreciated the faith-filled relationship he shared with Leo, Josy, Santino, and Luciano, finding comfort and encouragement in their shared love of God. Josh would make his favorite coffee super black, his crispy brócoli, as thin crispy potatoes.

He was especially proud to baptize two of his grandchildren and to stand alongside two fellow pastors as they officiated his wedding, moments that brought him profound joy and gratitude.

Family life was something Harrison embraced wholeheartedly. He loved family gatherings and challenged himself to grow comfortable with the joyful noise, laughter, and energy that filled those moments as he loved to be spoiled by all of them. Though he had not always been accustomed to such a bustling family environment, he came to cherish it deeply. The love of his children, grandchildren, and extended family brought immeasurable happiness to his life and became one of his greatest blessings. He was planning to go to California by train in November for Thanksgiving to spend that holiday there with Nadia and see Napa Valley and Sara will do that trip with Ezequiel to honor his wishes as he had it all planned out!

Through every season of his life, Harrison sought to live according to the words of Scripture: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12). His steadfast trust in God, even through hardship and loss, served as an inspiration to all who knew him.

Harrison passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the age of 70. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of family members, friends, fellow pastors, and members of his congregation. Yet his life remains a testimony to faith, service, love, and devotion to God.

His memory will live on in the lives he touched, the faith he nurtured, and the community he helped build. Those who had the privilege of knowing him will forever be grateful for his friendship, guidance, and example.

Harrison is survived by his beloved wife, Sara; his children, Luciana, Nadia, and Leo; his children by marriage, Gabriel, Tim, and Josy; his cherished grandchildren, Alan, Ezequiel, Mateo, Milena, Santino, and Luciano; and his beloved dog, Haidy.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 1Timothy 4:7

May Harrison Delano Gapter rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 6:00 pm at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 16933 Thiele Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819, with visitation two hours prior, beginning at 4:00 pm. Burial will take place at Wakeman Cemetery, Waterville, Ohio. Preferred memorials, in memory of Harrison, may be made to Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries, 3480 Stellhorn Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815. Please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for Harrison’s family.