JACK HARBISON Sr.

JACK HARBISON SR.
MERCEDES - After a long and fruitful life, Jack Harbison, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of March 27, 2012, with his family by his side. He was 81 years old. Jack was born on October 16, 1930 in Weslaco, Texas, to Cliff and Maudie Harbison. He was raised with his three sisters: Ruby (Plank), Geraldine, and June (Graham). Jack farmed under the name Harbison Farms, which is a third generation farming operation started by his father Cliff in 1927. He enjoyed many years of farming although at times it was a struggle due to bad weather and other challenges.
Jack was a farmer for almost all of his life in the Edcouch Elsa area, farming first by himself and then with his father Cliff until his passing in 1971. At that time he continued the farming business with his son Jack, Jr. and continued until his passing on March 27, 2012.
Jack was the second generation in a third generation farming operation that was started in 1927, and due to his work, continues operating today under the name Harbison Farms. He enjoyed many years of farming, even though at times the business was stressful due to bad weather and other challenges. Throughout it all, Jack faced these challenges with a sense of humor, which was present until the end.
Jack was devoted to his family and provided well for them. He loved his wife Martha and his family, and was lucky to enjoy many years of their companionship while in good health. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Martha Antonia Gutierrez Harbison; his sister June Graham; his three children Jerry Darlene Harbison, Jack Harbison, Jr., and Dianne Cassidy; his grandchildren Chad Cassidy, Paige Harbison Saenz, Jacque Harbison, and Laura Harbison; and his great-grandchildren Kacey and Elizabeth Miller, and Luke Saenz.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Geraldine and Ruby.
Visitation will be held today, Friday, March 30, 2012, 3:00pm-7:00pm at McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco, 900 West 4th Street, Weslaco, Texas , with the family receiving visitors 5:00pm-7:00pm. Grave side services will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 10:00am at Highland Memorial Park, 6705 North FM 88, Weslaco, Texas.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are J. B. Lester, John Lester, Jeff Lester, Earl Neuhaus, Barry Dickerson, Lance Neuhaus, Roberto Gonzales, and Claud Lookingbill. Honorary pallbearers are Jamie Gutierrez, Roy Tamez, Ricardo Leal, Amador Leal, Fred Saenz, Guadalupe Chapa, and the Harbison Farms employees.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.
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