Harold W. Beerbower

Harold W. Beerbower, 93, of Meadville, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025 at Meadville Medical Center.

Harold was born in Cambridge Springs, on April 2, 1932, a son of the late Charles and Bernice (Walters) Beerbower.

On February 23, 1957 Harold married Jean Jackard; she survives.

He was a member of St. Brigid Church, where he served as an usher from 1988 to 2017.

Harold attended Saegertown Schools leaving in the 10th grade to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. He enlisted in the Army on May 23, 1950 spending 16 weeks of basic training in Fort Knox, KY, and was then sent to Tokyo, Japan where Cpl. Beerbower was assigned to Company D 3rd Infantry Division as a Machine Gunner. Following six months of deployment in Korea he was captured by the Chinese on April 25, 1951 and spent the next 28 months as a Prisoner of War, being released on August 21, 1953. He was honorably discharged on October 24, 1953 and on December 15, 1953 he reenlisted and again was honorably discharged on April 14, 1955. He was awarded numerous medals including POW, Good Conduct, Army of Occupation, National Defense, Korean Service with bronze Star, Combat Infantry, United Nations, American Anthem and Ambassador For Peace Medals.

Harold retired from Channelock where he was a hammer man. He also had been employed by Impact Forge in Albion, McDonalds, and worked as a custodian for PNC Bank. Harold was a member of Barb Wire Assoc. of North West PA and Saegertown American Legion Post # 205. He was a lifetime member of American Ex-Prisoners of War, Korean War Veteran Assoc., Disabled American Veterans, VFW Post #2006 and Vernon Central Volunteer Fire Dept. Harold loved attending his POW Reunions and spending time with the fellow POW's. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, doing jigsaw puzzles, making wood crafts, playing cards and playing games with his grandchildren. Harold will be sadly missed by all that knew him especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Jean, of 68 years, Harold is survived by daughters Karen Lou Bilich of Conneautville, Brenda Kay Henderson of Meadville, a son Jeffrey Alan Beerbower (Karen) of Meadville, his cherished grandchildren Julie Wallace (Don), Amy Hefner (Aaron), Stacey Betts, Chad Bilich (Stacey), Josh Beerbower, Seth Beerbower (Victoria), Jody Bailey, Gerald Henderson, Jr., Gerred Henderson, Cheyanne Hubbard, 14 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by two grandchildren, five sisters, five brothers, and a son in law Alan Bilich.

Visitation is 4-7 PM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 404 CHESTNUT STREET MEADVILLE, with a service by Vietnam Post #52 at 6:30 and a scripture service at 6:45.

Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Brigid Church, 383 Arch St., Meadville, at 12 PM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 with Fr. Kyle Seyler, officiating.

Harold will be laid to rest in Roselawn with Full Military Honors by Vietnam Vets Post #52.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty St. or Vietnam Vets Post #52, 13216 Dunham Rd., both in Meadville, PA 16335.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Meadville Medical Center for the wonderful care they provided, and also to the Brotherhood of Vietnam Vets Post #52 for their ongoing presence and support.

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