Harold Otto Bain

Harold Otto Bain, known to his friends as H.O., died peacefully Saturday evening in Doctor’s Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1920, he was a son of the late William Glen and Margaret Hetrick Bain. After graduation from high school in New Bethlehem, PA, Harold managed a grocery store in his hometown before he enlisted in the United States Army. A tank destroyer unit commander, First Lieutenant Harold Bain was stationed in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardenness and Central Europe. In December 1944, he was captured during the Battle of the Bulge, and held as a prisoner of war until April 1945. For his distinguished service, Mr. Bain was awarded the Silver Star Medal and the Distinguished Unit Badge. The Purple Heart was awarded for injuries he incurred during his service to our nation. Upon his return home, he became affiliated with a variety of coal companies, in which he quickly was promoted to management. In 1949, Mr. Bain relocated to this area of Ohio. Most recently in 1991, he retired at the age of 71 as general manager of the former Wilmot Mining Company.A man of God, Harold was an active member of the First Church Church of God, New Philadelphia, and the Tuscarawas Valley Camp of Gideons International. A gifted speaker, he served his church as a lay pastor, and as a spokesperson for the Gideons to various churches and civic organizations. He was instrumental in the growth and building of the Indian Meadows Church Of God. Most of all, he will be long remembered for his impeccable character, his honesty, and strong work ethic.Together with his wife of nearly sixty years, the former Betty McCauley whom he married August 13, 1943, he raised two daughters; Carol (Adrian) Schaar and Marsha Dunaway, all of Dover. He will be missed by three granddaughters; Melanie (Brian) Cronebach of Dover, Kera (Tom) Ackerman of Lexington, KY, and Hallie, (Eric) McGlumphy of North Canton, O, a grandson, Kyle Dunaway of Dover, two great-grandchildren Bryn & Seth Cronebach and one additional great-grandchild anticipated in July. A brother, Howard (Beulah) Bain of meadeville, PA, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, one brother, Duane Bain, preceded him in death. Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 8 at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home in New Philadelphia. A Gideon’s Service will begin at 7:30PM Tuesday evening. Pastor Matthew Roe will officiate a funeral service with assistance from Rev. Norman Nelson Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at 10 AM in the Chapel of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home. Members of Dover VFW Post 3463 will conduct a military graveside service at Dover Burial Park prior to interment. A meal will be served in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home following the committal service. So Mr. Bain’s legacy of service to others may continue, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Church of God, New Philadelphia, 824 Tuscarawas Avenue NW, New Philadelphia OH 44663 or to the Tuscarawas County Camp of Gideon’s International, PO Box 606, Dover OH 44622.