Obituary of Michael LaBarre Harshaw
Michael L. Harshaw of Haddon Heights, New Jersey, was promoted suddenly to his heavenly home on February 4, 2026, at the age of 75. Born in 1950 to the late Charles and Marcelle Harshaw, he lived in the same house in Haddon Heights for 70 years. He attended The King’s Christian Elementary School, Phil-Mont Christian Academy High School, and Houghton College, where he met his wife, Barbara (Francis). Through 53 years of marriage, they shared a deep and real faith in Jesus.
Family came first to Michael, with his love for each and every member shown in countless tangible ways. Michael and Barbara’s children, who are thankful for the extraordinary love from their parents, are Bethany (Jeffrey Bantle), Sarah (Joseph Wagner), Joshua, and Nathaniel. Their grandchildren, loved beyond measure, are Noah, Caleb, and Evelyn Bantle and Molly, Ethan, and Adam Wagner. He sincerely loved his siblings and their spouses – the late Diane and Bill Micken, Brad and Stacie, and David (predeceased) and Leslie – and all his nieces and nephews.
Michael was a teacher, both as a profession and a lifestyle. He never stopped learning and approached life with curiosity. He was a science teacher at West Deptford High School for 40 years; while there he created and trained the Academic Challenge Team, coached a freshman soccer team to a championship, sponsored the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, started West Deptford’s Advanced Placement program, and instituted educational student exchanges with Great Baddow School in England. He took his family on a year-long Fullbright Teacher Exchange Program to England and enjoyed years of friendship and travel with friends and family there. He served on the Haddon Heights School Board for many years. When Michael retired, he continued to teach by volunteering his time and talents to students at Excelsior and HIS Homeschool Cooperatives. His love of teaching and studying the Bible also extended to leading Bible study and youth groups and he enjoyed serving as a deacon at Haddon Heights Baptist Church. His years and friends at South Jersey Christian Fellowship were also very important to him. Michael’s interests included: photography, music, history, travel, beekeeping, gardening, and nature.
Michael will be remembered by how he took great notice of people and genuinely cared about their problems. Although he is surely in Heaven with his Savior, his humor, intellect, love of deep conversations, and willingness to come to the aid of anyone will be so missed by his family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to a service on Friday, February 20, at Haddon Heights Baptist Church located at 300 Station Avenue, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035. Family visitation time begins at 10 AM, with a service at 11 AM. Luncheon to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to Haddon Heights Baptist Church at the above address, specifying "Discipleship Ministry"