Harold McClellan Harshman, age 94, Caledonia, Michigan, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025.
He was born on the family farm November 12, 1930 in Pittsfield, Illinois, to Loren and Mabel (Moyer) Harshman.
Harold proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan working next door to the McArthur Building deciphering secret messages (cryptographics).
Harold married Barbara “Joyce” Faris on November 13, 1955. They shared over 60 years together before she preceded him in death on August 20, 2016.
He was an over-the-road truck driver for Watson Brothers, Crouch Brothers, ONC Trucking Co., C.F. Trucking Co., and McLean Trucking Co. for a total of 30 years.
He was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge #460 in Pittsfield, and Masonic Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, Moila Shrine Temple, and American Legion Post 359, all in St. Joseph.
Harold enjoyed gardening, grocery shopping, reading, and helping his neighbors and family. He always said “work” was his fun.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Helen Crowder; and his four brothers Howard, Stuart, Wayne and Dale.
Survivors include his four children, Cindy Cooley (Philip)of Caledonia, Michigan; Mark Harshman (Kassie)and Kim Thiel (Steve), both of St. Joseph, Missouri and Michelle Wallace (Fred) of Ada, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren, Jenna Gray-Shomler (John), Nick Gray, Aaron Gray (Harmony), step-granddaughter, Christina West (Ben), Matthew Harshman (Libby), Brynn Hudson (Jeff), Holly Pitts (James), Brent Thiel, Noel (Kiley) and Jared (Lindsay) Pace; nineteen great-grandchildren, Eilam Gray-Shomler, Logan and Declan Gray, step-great grandson Oliver West; Lane and Daisy Harshman; Maryn, Hayes and Faith Hudson; Harper, Poppy, Hadley and Mackey Pitts; Steely and Nash Pace and step-great grandchildren Beckley and Holden Walcher; and Maeleigh and Coleman Pace. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Moore of Orlando, Florida (age 99); and many nieces and nephews.
Services pending Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
