Willard Harbeson

Willard Gene Harbeson, 87, passed away on August 2, 2024, at the Perkins County Community Hospital in Grant, Nebraska.

Gene was born on January 19, 1937, in Madrid, Nebraska, to Archie Willard and Esther Naomi (Hanson) Harbeson.

Gene grew up in Elsie, attended the Elsie grade school then the Elsie High School. After graduating in 1954, he enlisted in the US Navy and served until November 1957. During his time in the Navy he served on a supply ship and two ammunition ships, the Wrangell and the Mauna Loa. While serving on the Mauna Loa the ship caught fire in New York harbor. The ship was towed out to sea; if it had exploded it would have leveled lower Manhattan.

Gene met his future wife, Joan McMail, while he was stationed in New York. They were married on November 22, 1958, at Mary, Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY. Gene and Joan moved from Brooklyn to Oakland, New Jersey, where they lived for over 30 years. Gene was employed by the Bendix Corporation as an electronics technician. He was very proud to have worked on the prototype guidance system for the Apollo 11 spaceflight that landed a man on the moon.

After retiring in 1996, Gene and Joan built a home outside of Elsie and moved back to Gene's hometown, where he dabbled in farming and raised about a dozen cattle.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Esther.

Gene is survived by his wife, Joan; his brothers, Earl (Sherri) of Los Angeles, Duane (Heidi) of Los Angeles, and Donald (Joan) of Elsie; nephews, Chris and Paul; niece, Heather, aunt, Lillian Hanson and special cousin, Jim Hanson.

Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfunerahome.com.

A private service will be held, with interment to be in the Elsie Cemetery.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.