Obituaries
Charles Stabley Hackenberry, 90
December 10, 2022
Charles “Stabe” Hackenberry, 90, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away and entered into glory to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 10, 2022. He was a former resident of Webster and Henrietta, New York.
Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Stabe was the son of Lester and Arlene (Stabley) Hackenberry. He was the youngest of three boys. Stabe looked up to his older brothers—the late Lester and Donald Hackenberry. It was one of Lester’s friends, Robert Dittmar, who became Stabe’s youth group leader/mentor, and a life-long friendship was forged. During Stabe’s high school years, Bob Dittmar, who was leading and discipling young teenagers, had the idea of forming a youth, and as a result a new camp began. Camp Susque, a youth summer camp began in 1947 in Trout Run, Pennsylvania and Stabe was one of its first campers. He would continue his deep love for the Camp by serving as a long term board member and by influencing countless people to go to camp where they too could be confronted with the truth of their Creator and experience the beauty of his creation, and hear the good news that Christ Jesus is the Savior of sinners. Stabe sent his children and grandchildren to Camp Susque and the impact that this gospel ministry had on them, along with many others, continues in their lives.
After Stabe graduated from Williamsport High School, he worked for the FBI in Philadelphia. Due to the Korean conflict, Stabe resigned from the FBI and enlisted in the Army Security Agency and was trained as a Morse Code Interceptor. He served in the Army and was stationed in Kenai, Alaska. After his service for his country, through the GI bill, he went to Lycoming College and concluded his education at the University of Buffalo where he earned his Masters degree, as he began his career in teaching History with a special focus on European History. He taught for 32 years in New York State, primarily at Sperry High School in Rush-Henrietta, New York.
In 1958, he met Margaret Scruton at a summer school class at Wheaton College, Illinois. This meeting began a beautiful romance, leading to their wedding in 1960. With a marriage centered on Christ and his Word as their foundation, they enjoyed 62.5 years of marriage. Their marriage served as an example of a Christian marriage to countless people of how to serve the Lord and others by opening up their life and home to many people. Stabe and Marg were blessed with three children: Karen (Steve) Wellum, Lyn (Robert) Young, and Steve (Jennifer) Hackenberry. Stabe and Marg raised their children and taught them the glorious truths of God’s Word centered in Christ. What was especially important to Stabe was to teach his family and others that the triune God of the Bible is the sovereign Creator and Lord, and that our identity is to be found in Christ Jesus, and being a child of the King of Kings. Stabe is remembered by his family for always encouraging his children to know and glory in Christ, to live a life of balance, hard work, and to care for one another. Stabe was blessed with 13 grandchildren: from the Wellums: Joel (Stephanie), Justin (Maddy), Joshua (Morgan), Janae, and Jessica (Matt) Cherry; from the Youngs: Joshua (Stephanie), Olivia (Trever) Ruzat, Hunter, Hannah and Jenna; and from the Hackenberry’s : Ryan Betlach, Ross, and Regan. The grandchildren greatly loved their grandfather, not only because there was always a reason to find a treat—especially ice cream—but also because he played, laughed, sang and told jokes with them, and taught them that the only place to sit on a roller coaster was in the first seat with your arms lifted high. But most important of all, Stabe and Marg faithfully prayed for their grandchildren daily, and now for their growing number of great-grandchildren: Elijah and Jocelyn Wellum, and Conrad, Grayson and Skylar Wellum. Stabe and Marg also have an honorary daughter, Jen (Charles Ong) Po, who they loved, and Jen cared for and loved Stabe (and Marg) as only a daughter could.
Stabe will also be remembered as a faithful elder in the different churches he served in New York and Pennsylvania, along with his love for history, travel, classical music, gospel music, and great humor. Stabe consistently demonstrated his deep love and commitment to his wife and family. Although he endured a long, slow decline due to illness, one would never hear him complain or grumble. In the last few years of his life, his wife, Marg, tirelessly cared for him with love and devotion. Their love for each other continued to grow until his last breath. Psalm 116:15 reminds us that “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones,” and this certainly was true of Stabe. As a family, Stabe rightly taught us to know and love our Creator and Lord. He taught us rightly that Scripture is God’s Word and as such, it is trustworthy and true. Most significantly, he taught us the truth of the Gospel that for all those who repent of their sins, place their faith in Christ alone, and receive God’s forgiveness of our sins in and through Christ Jesus our Lord, that nothing, not even death itself can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).
Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 on Friday, December 16, 2022. A Viewing will be held at 9:30 AM and a Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Committal will take place in the Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Susque at 47 Susque Camp Road, Trout Run, PA 17771 or at www.susque.org/donate.
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Condolences to the Family
December 21, 2022
How Bob and I have treasured meeting you our first Sunday at LEFC in September 1998. We had many blessed times with you. Bob must have been delighted to welcome Stabe home.
December 17, 2022
My sincerest condolences to you all. The sadest part for me is my lost memories of the Era when he was my teacher. I’m certain though that he had some influence in my life because of the influence he had in so many others lives.
December 16, 2022
How blessed we have been to have known Stabe. He was an excellent teacher, counselor, and brother in Christ. He is one of the Godliest men we have ever met. His marriage to Marg was almost like a fairy tale. We never heard either of them say a crossword to each other. We can now envision him dancing with Jesus. Bev & Chris
December 16, 2022
As Nancy has written below, for the last 30+ years Stabe and Marg have had an enormous impact on our lives as a couple. But it was Stabe who personally took me under his wings as I was leaving the faith I was born into and coming to know the saving love of Jesus Christ. He befriended me, he mentored me, he encouraged me, he guided me, he entrusted me with teaching our small group, he lit a fire within me for pursuing the truth of Scripture, and he loved me. There is almost no greater impact any other person has had on my life. All because of that unexpected meeting so many years ago. I love you Stabe and Marg but there is a special corner of my heart that is Stabe’s. I miss you friend but will see you at our heavenly reunion when the Lord calls me home. Dave Farrell
December 14, 2022
Marg,
Babette and I send out love. Marg, we know that Sam and Dottie started their day in heaven with a huge blessing when they saw Stabe. I can’t imagine nor can I comprehend the reunion we will all have one day. We love you. Until we meet again! Steve Toth
December 14, 2022
My dear mentor,
My story is quite unbelievable. In 1990 I walked into a church for what reason I’m still not sure. I left early so nobody could see me or talk to me. So I made a decision to go the following week. As I was leaving the man Is tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around. He looked at me and said with a Stern face why are you here! I replied I don’t know. What you need to know at this point he was my high school history teacher and I was not very nice to him actually abusive. I tried to leave but he wouldn’t let me. He grabbed my hand shook it hard pulled me in close and told me he Has been praying for me and thinking about me. My 1st words were I’m so sorry. After that I really couldn’t speak he smiled and said everything’s OK now You’re hear. That was 1990 Stab Baptized me in July and 1992. He changed my life one Sunday morning in a small Church called Wall Nut Hill.l thank my dear Lord for day and my forgiving Stab.So many wonderful memories. Most importantly we will have small group again with our Father leading the class.
Stabe I love you my Joy is knowing you are with oue Savior and Jim and Sam.
John J Waugh the one you Forgave and cared for
December 14, 2022
My bestie Janae was his granddaughter and she always talks about how loving and hopeful her grandpa was. His ministry at Camp Susque changed her life! So grateful for the faithful follower of Christ he was. Praying for Miss Karen, the Wellum’s, and the Hackenberry’s as they celebrate his life!
December 13, 2022
Mr. Hackenberry was my teacher at Sperry in the mid 80’s. I truly can’t remember a thing he taught but I absolutely remember the way he made me feel…. warm and loved, like a special treasure. It does not surprise me that He was a follower of Jesus Christ… It showed in his eyes and in his smile. Anyone who knew him was blessed. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. I look forward to being reunited with him in heaven!!!!
December 13, 2022
Marg and family,
When I think of Stabe I can’t but smile. Maybe it is the reflection of his warm smile and kind heart. I am thankful for his leadereship and support of Camp Susque over the years — and his support and encouragement of me. I was just telling someone last week that I wanted to give Stabe a call — I am sorry I did not get to it in time. I am also sorry I will not be able to join the celebration of his life Friday. To have the life story of honoring God as Stabe did would be a blessing. May God grant you grace and peace. May you celebrate even through tears.
By the grace of God, Tim Bryant
December 13, 2022
Dear Marg and family,
Tom and I are so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of the fun times we spent together with Stabe and you all so many years ago. Be encouraged by the knowledge that Stabe is with our Lord and Savior, and we will all be reunited with our loved ones in God’s perfect timing. He was an amazing example of a Godly man and will be greatly missed.
December 13, 2022
Mr Hackenberry was one of my favorite teachers! I still remember him and I had him way back in the 80s! One winter he hurt his back sledding and we were all a bit shaken up by his absence. He seemed unstoppable, but then again, “Can you believe Mr Hackenberry went sledding!?!?” Thank you for sharing him with his many students. He was a wonderful man.
December 13, 2022
May all your precious memories bring you comfort and peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
With deepest sympathy,
Jim and Sharon Cox
December 13, 2022
Our dear beloved Stabe. He was a mentor to us and His love and faith in His Lord and Savior is unlike any other. God has blessed us so very richly with both he and Marg over 30 years. There is not a better example of Christian marriage, sacrificial love , prayer warriors and open door hospitality in our lives. Thank you for your faithful friendship and witness to David & I to God be the Glory.
December 13, 2022
Dear Marg, and family,
What a precious man Stabe was and his memory will live in my heart until I see him again in heaven (where we will share some licorice). My heart aches for you all but rejoices as well because of the promises of God that assures us of our salvation through Jesus Christ and we certainly know Stabe knew The Truth. I plan to watch his service online on Friday.
Much love always,
Mary
- Visitation
- Friday, December 16, 2022
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Westminster Presbyterian Church
- 2151 Oregon Pike
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, December 16, 2022
- 11:00 AM
- Westminster Presbyterian Church
- 2151 Oregon Pike
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
