Harry Kaercher

Harry R. Kaercher, 78, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on January 8, 2023 in Abilene.

Harry was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Peter and Emma (Pack) Kaercher on November 6, 1944. He graduated from South Hills High School in 1962. Harry married Carol Johnson on November 6, 1966. Harry enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 2, 1963. He retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant (1st Sergeant) on January 31, 1991 after 28 years of dedicated service. While on active duty, Harry was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Medal. Following retirement, Harry worked for the State of Texas, both at the Abilene State School and for the Department of Corrections at the Middleton Unit. He retired from the state in November 2007. He also worked for H&R Block for 25 years. Harry enjoyed hunting, bowling, playing Lotto, and was a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Emma Kaercher, brothers Robert and Bill, sister Betty, and father-in-law and mother-in-law John Martin and Mary Lynn Johnson.

Harry is survived by his wife of 56 years Carol, son Joe and wife Carol Ann, son Ron, grandchildren Rebecca Ann Parvaresh and husband Jami, Amanda Alexander, and Cody Carter and wife Kayla, and great-grandchildren Prairie Beth Alexander and Cole Andrew Carter. He is also survived by sisters- and brothers-in-law Beverly and Dave Caddell, Jonnie Lynn and Kirk Edinbergh, and George and Karen Johnson.

Pallbearers will be nephews Bo Johnson, Will Johnson, Chuck Caddell, John Caddell, brothers-in-law Kirk Edinbergh, Dave Caddell, George Johnson, and family friend Greg Saucier. Honorary pallbearers are nieces Ginny Baker and Laquetta Shane.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2023, at First Methodist Church, 202 Butternut Street in Abilene, with Pastor Scott Seymour officiating. Burial will follow at the Texas State Veteran's Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

Memorials in Harry's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff and residents of Northern Oaks Living and Rehabilitation Center.