David R. Schaber, 75, of Harlan, Ind., unexpectedly went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, August 24, 2026. He was born February 16, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio, to Donald and Juanita (Werling) Schaber. The family moved to Fort Wayne, Denver, Salt Lake City, and back to Fort Wayne, where he graduated from R. Nelson Snider High School. He was employed with B.F. Goodrich for 29 years before retiring due to injury and began a new career working security for several factories and Lutheran Hospital. He also returned to college and received an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Ivy Tech in 2003.
Dave was a member of Grabill Missionary Church where he and his wife were church librarians for many years. He also participated in a men's Bible Study group and treasured their friendships. Dave loved to study the scriptures, especially those involving prophecy, applying them to historical and current events in this world. He welcomed those who wanted to discuss the scripture, and he posed questions to encourage them to search for truth- the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was an avid reader thanks to an elementary teacher who took the extra time to help him overcome dyslexia to learn to read. He also took flying lessons and earned his solo flight certificate from Smith Field.
He was a faithful and loving husband to his wife of 45 years, Vicki, who survives him. They have four children- Daniel (Jessica) Schaber of Greenfield, Ind., Jeremy (LaLinda) Schaber of Monroeville, Ind., Laura (Joey) Dunham of Woodburn, Ind., and Timothy Schaber of Harlan, Ind. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jaiden Schaber, Kaydence Schaber, Brandon Schaber, and Commodore Schaber; and three step-grandchildren, Ava Dunham, Ashlynn Dunham, and Amelia Dunham; brother, Gary Schaber of Fort Wayne; and sisters, Diane (Gary) Jones of Fort Wayne and Kay (Jonathon) Wolf of Sherman Oaks, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Kynley Lynn.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Grabill Missionary Church, 13637 State St., Grabill, Ind., with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Hockemeyer Funeral Home, 17629 SR-37, Harlan, Ind.
Preferred memorials to Inasmuch Ministries or to the family in care of Vicki Schaber. For online condolences, please visit www.greenlawnmpfh.com.
