Harry Southworth

Harry A. Southworth, 88 of Bristol, IN passed away with his family by his side on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Center for Hospice ~Esther’s House in Elkhart, IN. He was born at home in Elkhart, Indiana to William “Bill” and Irene (Stewart) Southworth. He married Kathryn L. Blessing on June 29, 1957 at the home of her parents in Elkhart. Both him and his wife were Elkhart High School graduates in the class of 1955, where they were high school sweethearts. They went on to celebrate 68 years of marriage.

Harry prided himself on his hard work. He started very young earning a living to help support his family. His first job was at Battjes Pontiac, the place his Dad was Parts Director. He helped wash paint off windows. He stocked shelves around the clock and often all night or until work was done on Fridays throughout high school at Bob Wilson’s Supermarket. While too busy to go to ballgames he learned hard work and how to support himself.

Karl Blessing, his father-in-law, was a mentor he often credited, and his favorite teacher was Bill Addison, who taught Accounting. From there, he pursued a successful 35-year banking career at the First National Bank in Elkhart. He started in Bookkeeping Department sorting and filing cancelled checks stamping them paid with a date, an automated process today. In 1971, he graduated from the School of Consumer Banking, at the University of Virginia. (1969-1971) His thesis was on the “local credit bureau” of which he took the top score in his graduating class and he played a role in the establishment of credit cards locally. He retired from First National Bank of Elkhart as Senior Vice President of the Installment Loan Division. He went on to become Vice President of Valley American Bank of Elkhart, and he was well known for his many years helping the auto dealers, mobile home manufacturers and individuals buying a home or car. He said, “I enjoyed every minute of it and met a lot of interesting people.”

He was active in the Local Valley Chapter of IMHA in Elkhart as Treasurer and President renaming IMHA from Indiana Manufacturing Housing Association to Indiana Mobile Home Association saving the previous logos. He even gave his time serving as the IMHA Treasurer for the Mobile Home Dealers throughout the state of Indiana

Harry was active at Bashor Children’s Home serving on the Board of Directors and holding the position of Treasurer for many years. He continued to be a supporter throughout his life of Bashor’s programs both monetarily and with giving of personal possessions.

Other community involvement included being on the Elkhart Area Career Center Board of Directors, taking on speaking engagements for Junior Achievement at local schools, serving as Assistant Treasurer and Usher at Trinity United Methodist Church, and was a long standing treasurer of Herron Cove HOA.

Survivors include his wife Kathryn; their three Daughters, Karen (Steve) Gary, Indianapolis, IN, Kristine (Bradley) Martin, Bristol, IN, Carolyn (Trevor) Fillingsness, Fishers, IN; Grandchildren, Madelyn Gary, Jacquelyn (Jason) Hubbard, Andrew (Paige) Martin, Kathryn “Katie” Fillingsness (Bryan Kirkpatrick), Leanne (Michael) Anthony, and Justin (Chelsey) Fillingsness, Great Grandchildren include Jackson and Juliet Hubbard, Elise and Terra Fillingsness, and Hallie MartIn. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Gayol Bowlby.

Most important to him was his wife, Kathryn, and family and their beloved pet Mickey; reading was his passion; he enjoyed ND Football, ND Women’s BB, and IU BB; and was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, now known as Trinity on Jackson Church, for many years.

His children and their families will most remember enjoying holidays as a family, spending time going up and down the St. Joe River with them and the many vacations to their vacation home in Sarasota, Florida together. He offered encouragement and advice to each and every one of his family members always wanting the best for each of them. His never-ending care for his wife will serve as a role model to us all. His signature send off to everyone was “God Bless.”

Visitation will be from 11am-12pm Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home,1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where funeral services will be at 12pm. Pastor Karen Koelsch from Trinty on Jackson Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN

Memorial Donations may be sent to: Bashor Children’s Home, PO Box 843, Goshen, Indiana 46527-0843 www.bashor.org Online condolences may be made to his family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com