Ronald W. Harbison, 88, of Saxonburg passed away on March 11, 2017 at the Butler VA Hospice surrounded by his family.

Born September 25, 1928 in Jefferson Center, he was the son of William G. "Pete" Harbison and Hazel Seiders Harbison.

Ron started working at Armco Steel in 1944 while still in high school during WWII, retiring in 1989 after 44 years of service. After graduating from high school in 1946, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, working on airplane ordinance until his discharge in 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy until he reenlisted in the Marines after the Korean War started. He was assigned to the VMF (N) 513 Flying Nightmares at K-8 Kusan in Korea, where he flew 56 night missions, earning four air medals, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged as a staff sergeant in September 1953. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in Butler and served as the Battalion Supply Sergeant before enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve and served inactively until his discharge in 1961. Ron was a life member of the Saxonburg American Legion Post #693, the Saxonburg VFW Post #7376, the Butler Bantam Detachment of the Marine Corps League and the Wm. H. Miller Lodge #769 F & AM. He recently received a 50 year pin from the American Legion. In 2009, he was named Butler County Veteran of the Year. He belongs to and was a past elder of the Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Co and held several offices, including three years as fire chief. While fire chief, he developed and taught a course in Basic Firefighting at the Butler County Fire School. He was instrumental in establishing a pure air compressor to fill fire fighting air masks. This was installed in the Butler Fire station and available to all County fire companies.

Surviving are two daughters, Carrie Harbison of Saxonburg and Suzanne (Rick) Warheit of Butler, his son, Lance Harbison of Saxonburg, 5 grandchildren, Brian Hutchison, Erin Hutchison, Lulan Harbison, Sara Harbison and Jacob Harbison, his son in law, John (Mary Jo) Hutchison and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jean Mahan Harbison, whom he married September 20, 1955, one daughter, Leslie Hutchison, and two sisters, Eileen Paulsen and Evelyn Davis

Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 at the Fox Funeral Home, Inc., Saxonburg, PA.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:00 am with Rev. Douglas Dorsey officiating.

Interment will follow in Butler Co. Memorial Park. The Marine Corps League will perform honors Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm and the Saxonburg American Legion will hold military honors following the funeral service.

Memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots.

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