Harold Eugene Asire

Dr. Harold Eugene Asire, age 93, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday evening, June 18, 2022 in perfect time to spend Father’s Day with his heavenly Father. Dr. Asire faithfully served as a pastor for more than 60 years. He began pastoring at Bertrand Bible Church in Niles, MI, until 1967 when he, along with other faithful believers, founded the Emanuel Baptist Bible Church in Niles, where he ministered until 1983. He was called to be the pastor of The First Baptist Church in Pinedale, WY in 1983, and served there for 30 years, after which he retired back to Niles MI in 2014.

Dr. Asire was born on December 20, 1928 in Granger, IN, to the late Dale and Olive (Fuller) Asire.  On October 22, 1949, he married Lois Eileen (Butterbaugh) Asire, who preceded him in death on August 2, 2020. 

Dr. Asire graduated from Clay High School and received his BA from Bob Jones University.  He received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Bob Jones in 1975. 

Survivors include two daughters, Karen (Paul) Rifenberg of Niles, MI, and Pegge (Brett) Borst of Bloomington, IL; four sons, Mark (Kay) Asire of Pacifica, CA; Richard (Jan) Asire of Holiday, FL; Jeffery (Karen) Asire of Greenville, SC; Tim (Brenda) Asire of Mahomet, IL; 26 grandchildren, Kim, Kristy, Kyle, Karla, Katherine, Kenny, Chad, Beau, Nathan, Matthew, Michael, Peter, Katie, Daniel, Jessica, Donnie, Laura, Lisa, Tosca, Danica, Mariah, Philip, Joshua, Emily, Tirzah, Tamara; 60 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and Harold’s brother, Thomas (Sue) Asire of Georgia.

Dr. Asire was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Donald Lee Barker, Jr.; granddaughter, Meghan Elaine Rifenberg; and great-grandson, Cameron Maust. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN.  Graveside services and burial will follow at City Cemetery, South Bend. The family would love for friends to come visit with them between 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24th at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent through www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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