COLUMBUS
Stephen Mamoru Hara (73), of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on May 5, 2023, surrounded by family. Mamoru was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Indiana.
Mamoru was born to Noboru and Masako Hara on November 7, 1949 in Shiga-ken Japan. His parents were Christian ministers and chose to follow in their footsteps. Mamoru served 5 years at Fujimicho Church where Billy Graham was a guest pastor. He then immigrated to the United States in 1982 to study at the Pacific School of Religion, a Protestant Seminary located in Berkley, California. After his studies, Mamoru became a Japanese Christian missionary. He became a devoted minister at the Simpson United Methodist Church in Arvada, Colorado from 1984 to 1987. Mamoru then continued his preaching at the Vancouver United Church in British Columbia, Canada from 1987 to 1989. For the next 10 years, he became the Chaplain at the Tennessee Meiji Gakuin, a Japanese education boarding high school located in Sweetwater, Tennessee. From 2000-2005, Mamoru changed careers and started working at Toyo Seat US in Imlay City, Michigan as part of the Administration Office. This was followed by his position as President at OSR, Inc. in Columbus, Indiana from 2005-2011; after which he retired.
Mamoru is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Takako, and their four children, Shion, Ken, Manna, and Canna. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Hara, and his wife Leslie along with his niece and nephews.
In addition to his commitment to God’s work, Mamoru was a loving father, husband, son and brother. He enjoyed traveling, studying wines from around the world, and spending time with his family. In the weekend before his passing, Mamoru walked his eldest daughter down the aisle for her wedding. It was a blessing that he was surrounded by family, love, and new friendships in the days leading up to his passing.
A private family service will be held in his memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to www.JapanMission.org in Mamoru’s name.
