Virgil Dean Harger, 79 years, of Hamilton, passed away Monday, March 2, 2009 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, after a long and courageous battle with several illnesses. Dean was born on September 5, 1929, the son of Virgil T. and Goldie M. (Wright) Harger in Williams County, Ohio.He married Donna Jean (Haughey) Harger on April 26, 1952 in Richmond, Indiana, and she survives. Dean was a well-known, long-time business owner in Hamilton, owning and operating Harger's Meats for 55 years with his wife and sons.He was a member of the Hamilton United Methodist Church and an active supporter of Youth for Christ.He loved golfing, fishing and family get-togethers.His great-grandkids were the light of his life. His is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Donna;six children, Suzie and Pat Tyler of Hamilton, Jim & Cindy Harger of Bryan, Ohio, Marty & Tom Suntken of Hamilton, Jeff & Pam Harger of Hamilton, Anita Jo Harger of Hamilton and Lori & David Dove of Hamilton.Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, Megan & Tom Stoy, Alecia & Nathan Pfefferkorn, Andy & Holly Tyler, Grant Tyler, Nicole Harger, Jared Harger, Brianna Harger, Amanda & Joe Brennan, Trevor Suntken, Katie Harger, Jordan Harger, Amber & Jim Stuckey, Andrea Dove and Alyse Dove.There are nine great-grandchildren.Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister, Glenna Tritch, two grandchildren, Justin Thomas Suntken and Eric Maxwell Harger. Visitation for Virgil Dean Harger will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2009 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Oberlin-Ford Funeral Home, Hamilton.Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hamilton United Methodist Church with Pastor Jack Smith, officiating.Interment will follow in Eddy Cemetery, rural Hamilton. Memorials in the name of Dean Harger may be given to the Hamilton United Methodist Church or to the DeKalb Area Youth for Christ.