Jerry C Harber

Jerry C. Harber, age 74, of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, passed away at the University of Chicago on June 14, 2015. Jerry was born on April 20, 1941 in Dyersburg Tennessee and was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Jerry was a true entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He was a “diehard” Cubs and Hoosier basketball fan. He could often be found at Supervisors Club golfing with his son Brad. He owned nearly fifty Corvettes during his lifetime in addition to many other cars. Many of his friends on the beach knew him as “Corvette Jerry” as he organized the monthly car show at Parrot Key. Another special pastime was coaching many youth basketball teams in Hobart and Fort Myers. Jerry founded Oil Technology, Inc., in 1982 and was a business visionary that saw the need for oil recycling long before others. Jerry knew that recycling oil would not only save companies money but serve to improve the environment as well. Jerry helped grow Oil Tec as he earned the confidence and trust of his customers. His exceptional sales skills and business acumen helped Oil Tec earn business with the largest steel companies in the world. He was a great people person as well as possessing numerous managerial and financial skills. Jerry retired in 1996 and spent his retirement in “his paradise” Fort Myers Beach. He could be found having a beer and enjoying the sunset during Happy Hour at the Holiday Inn Tiki Bar. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Clint and Mattie and his brother Bill. Survivors include his sons – Todd (Laura) Elliott and Brad (Christina) Harber; grandchildren – Jenna Elliott, Sean Elliott, Bryceston Harber and Brantley Harber; brothers – Ray and Danny and his former companion, Marilyn Elliott. A special thanks to the staff at the University of Chicago, including Dr. Vokes and Dr. Howell for their world renowned cancer care. Jerry was a fighter till the end. Friends are invited to visit with Jerry’s family on Thursday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m., at Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street, Hobart. Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home. An additional memorial will be planned in Fort Myers Beach this winter. Interment at Angel Crest Cemetery in Valparaiso, IN. www.burnsfuneral.com

Jerry C Harber

April 20, 1941 - June 14, 2015