Kim Allen Harbage

Kim Allen Harbage, avid sportsman, backyard gardener, amateur weatherman, age 69 of West Jefferson, OH passed away, at home, on June 15, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in 1954, the youngest and possible favorite child of the late Glenn and Harriett (Gutbrod) Harbage. Kim was a 1973 graduate of West Jefferson High School. He graduated from Hocking College in 1977 with a degree in Wildlife Resources Management. After college, Kim began working at General Motors in Columbus, Ohio, until transitioning into his final career at Metro Parks where he retired after 21 years in 2015. Kim married his wife, Gayle, 43 years ago, with whom they had two children, Andrea, and Shawn. He taught his kids to fish, work hard, love nature and how to enjoy the perfect root beer float. 

Kim was a founding member of The Poor Boys Bass Club. He loved “glamping” with his wife and friends, Friday night bonfires, hunting mushrooms and sitting with his favorite 4-legged girls, Emma, and Ellie, on his lap. Not necessarily in that order. Kim’s fashion sense consisted of cut sleeve t-shirts and elastic waistband shorts paired with one of five identical white sketchers, each occasion-specific. He had a great sense of humor, immaculate grass and the first tomato of the season. Kim could fix anything, had an opinion on everything, and always drove five miles below the speed limit. His greatest pride was his six grandchildren, who inherited Kim’s love of country music, sports, homemade ice cream and his passion for growing things. 

He was preceded in death by parents Glenn and Harriett Harbage.

Kim is survived by his wife, Gayle (Hidy), Children Andrea (Nathan) Schwind of London, Shawn Harbage of West Jefferson; grandchildren Gabriel Schwind, Matthew Schwind, Grace Schwind, Glenn Harbage, Eden Schwind, Selah Schwind; Sister Tina (Carl) Delong of West Jefferson, Brother John (Susan) Harbage of Gahanna; further survived by many nieces and nephews, other loving relatives; neighbors and many friends.

Family will receive friends from 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024 at the RADER-MCDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 West Main Street, West Jefferson, OH 43162 (614)-879-0222 where a Celebration of Life will be celebrated at 7:00p.m. with Pastor Nathan Schwind, officiating. Casual dress is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Kim’s name to: WJYAA-West Jefferson Youth Athletic Association, PO Box 305, West Jefferson, OH 43162. 

Please visit www.radermcdonaldtiddfuneralhome.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Harbage Family.