Philip “Mike” Harger, 79 of New Whiteland, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 1, 1947 to the late Delmer and Jane Harger.

Philip was a graduate from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He married Janet Alexander on December 6, 1969.

Philip was drafted into the United States Army where he served as an Auto Mechanic; Rank: Specialist 5th Class; Served in Vietnam from 1966-1968; Honorably discharged in 1972.

Following his military service, Philip channeled his sharp problem-solving and technical skills into a career as an Installer, Foreman/Supervisor for several HVAC companies including Nickel Heating and Air Conditioning, Kelly Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning and Hession Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. He was a master of his trade who could fix absolutely anything and took pride in his work.

Philip later retired in 2010 from International Harvester (Navistar) after 32 years. He worked as an Assembly Line Engine Parts Operator.

Beyond his Professional and Military years, Philip’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Janet Harger, and the guiding force for his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his laugh, witty sense of humor, love for his desserts, quiet wisdom, willingness to help anyone at any time and many life lessons he taught his friends and family. In his free time, he loved to spend time with his family, going camping, gardening, woodworking, working on tractors with his grandson, attending his grandchildren's school and sporting events and his outings to all his favorite stores; Rural King, Harbor Freight, Dollar General and Meijer.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Harger; his 2 daughters, Christle (Paul) Beam of Whiteland, Rachel (Paul) McMichael of Whiteland, and son, Philip (Misty) Harger II of Whiteland; his adored grandchildren, Jordan (Savilla) Beam, Karley (Matt) Gaughan, John McMichael, Elizabeth McMichael, Emily McMichael, Charles “Charlie” McMichael, Chance Harger and Grace Harger; his great-grandchildren, Brooks Beam, Charlie May Beam, Tatum Gaughan, and Kallie Gaughan; his sister, Rita (Louie) Richart of North Vernon, Indiana and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmer and Jane Harger; 2 Brothers, Delmer (Sue) Harger, Stephen Harger; 3 sisters, Kay Harger, Marcia Jay and Beth Ann Arbuckle.

A celebration of Philip’s life, complete with military honors, will be held on June 2, 2026 at 12:00pm at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Funeral Home, located in Greenwood, Indiana. Friends and Family are invited to show their love and support and share their memories of him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Safe Haven Baby Boxes (shbb.org) or any local veterans charity or organization that are close to his heart.