Emerson Victor Harbester, Jr, 92, died February 11, 2024 at his home in the presence of his family.

Emerson, the only son of Emerson, Sr and Elsie Harbester was born on January 3, 1932 in Plainfield, New Jersey.  Emerson also had two younger sisters, Joan (Radula) of New Smyrna, Florida, and Carol (Martin) of Port Orange, Florida.  The family moved to the Worchester, Massachusetts area where Emerson completed his school years graduating from Leicester High School.  After graduation, Emerson attended Worcester Jr. College and Boston University completing one year before joining the US Army.

His first major assignment was at Berlin, Germany where he met and married Gerda Reuter with whom he had two daughters, Katharina (Anderson) and Joanne (Suratt), both of Savannah.  He adopted Gerda’s daughter, Ruth (Stone) of Monument, Colorado.  During his time in Germany, Emerson became conversant in German.  There were subsequent major moves during his 28 years of military service including two tours in Vietnam.  Upon retirement from the U.S. Army, Emerson settled in the Savannah area operating an antique shop and completing his bachelor’s degree in business.

Emerson attended Compassion Christian Church, and was an active member of Senior Saints and his Life Group.  He enjoyed line dancing at the Golden Age Center where he had many lunches and looked forward to the fellowships.

In addition to his three daughters, Emerson leaves behind three grandchildren, Shawn Stone of Monument, Stephanie Anderson of Larkspur, Colorado, and Joshua Anderson of Savannah; and thirteen great-grandchildren. 

Emerson was preceded in death by his wife, Gerda; and granddaughter, Shannon Cawley.

Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at the East Campus of Compassion Christian Church with Pastor Cam Huxford officiating.

Interment with full military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Georgia Veterans Cemetery in Glennville, Georgia.