Norman Ben Harborth

Norman Ben Harborth was born December 5, 1929 in Seguin, Guadalupe County, Texas to Walter R. and Martha nee Heinemeier Harborth. Norman Ben attended Harborth School then later Navarro Elementary and High School where he graduated from the 11th grade. He then attended Seguin High School where he graduated 12th grade.

While in high school Norman Ben was judged as the state winner in the "Texas Hog Lot Equipment" contest which was sponsored by Portland Cement Company. He made an outstanding record in the planning and construction of his new lot equipment. He graduated from Durham Business School in San Antonio and then attended Texas A&M where he was a member of the "Fightin Texas Aggie Band" and served in the Bugle Rank.

Norman Ben was then called into service with the United States Army. He was first stationed at Fort Hood where he was a member of the Armored Infantry Battalion. He was selected to attend Officer's Training School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He then served the next three years in Heidelberg, Germany, in the headquarters of the US Army Europe, where he was part of the special troops under the command of General McAuliffe. After the service, Norman Ben returned to the family farm located near Geronimo, Texas. There he began his farming career. On June 15, 1957, Norman Ben married the love of his life, Maxine Jane Glenewinkel. Together they had three children, Vicki Sue, Jeffrey Allen, and Bruce Wayne.

In 1975 Norman Ben went to work for Structural Metals Incorporated in Seguin, while continuing to farm and raise cattle, hogs and chickens. During this time he also helped his children with their school projects and attended many sports functions in support of his children. Norman Ben was a life long member of Friedens United Church of Christ. He served on the church council, was a member of the Geronimo Gin Board, served on the Navarro ISD school board, as well as on the Lone Oak Cemetery Association He was an ASC committee member and served on the Guadalupe County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

He enjoyed bowling 9 pin at Barbarossa Bowling Club and hunting in the "Cedar Breaks". He also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with family members and special friends, including the Schuenemann's and the Boenigs. Norman Ben was also an active member of American Legion Post 245 and it's band, as well as, the VFW Post 8456 in Geronimo, Texas where he was a life member.

Norman Ben was preceded in death by parents; brothers, Kermit, Edgar, Cleburne and Walter W.; sisters, Irma and Viola; brother-in-law, Arthur Randow and sister-in-law Velma Harborth.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Maxine and his children, Vicki (Kerry) Hartwick, Jeffrey (Kathy) Harborth, and Bruce (Rebecca) Harborth; grandchildren, Krystel Hartwick and partner Christopher Duff, Nicole Hartwick, Shea (Emilee) Harborth, Jared Harborth, Adam Harborth and Boston Ben Harborth; great grandchildren, Ethan, Joey and Emily; brother-in-law, Stanley Kohlenberg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Norman Ben was a special and loving man who will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched. Memorial services for Norman Ben Harborth will be held Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ in Geronimo, Texas. His ashes will be laid to rest at Lone Oak Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers will be Carl Franzen, Rick Harborth and his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to the Lone Oak Cemetery Association or the Friedens Capital Campaign Fund.