Harold Harres

Harold Harres, 93, of Columbia, died Nov. 15, 2016, at St. Anthony’s Medical Center, St. Louis.

He was born Jan. 18, 1923, in Columbia, the son of the late Herman and Mathilda Harres (nee Mitweide).

He married Dorothy Harres (nee Schneider) on Aug. 10. 1947, in Columbia; she survives him.

Harold lived a full, charmed life in his eyes.

He grew up on the same farm on which he spent his entire life and always said he had the happiest childhood; it was very simple and he had a good dog and everything he wanted.

After a short stint at Southern Illinois University Carbondale he decided to help his country and joined the U. S. Army Air Corps. He eventually was sent to southern Italy as a navigator, flying B24 Liberators on bombing missions over northern Italy, Poland and Germany. Upon his return he finished his college at Saint Louis University.

After several jobs he started working at Weilbachers Department Store in Columbia and eventually became the store president, serving in that capacity until his retirement after 30 years in 1986. He was known for his kind nature, fair business sense and community support.

Harold’s true passions were things closer to home. Nothing was more important to him than his family.

He was married to the love of his life, Dorothy Schneider, for 69 years. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren put an extra gleam in his eye. He took great interest in every activity they were involved in, which was wide-ranging from track meets, baseball, hockey and basketball games to cheer leading, dance, music and much more.

He kept a meticulous yard and home and was especially proud of his raspberries. He was an avid golfer and could still putt with laser precision until the end.

He was a member of Columbia American Legion Post 581 for more than 50 years. He attended St. Paul United Church of Christ, and was a member of the Columbia School Board, serving as president during the 1960s and 1970s.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Mike (Debbie) Harres of Millstadt; Joel (Linda) Harres of Columbia; and Lisa (Glenn) Stumpf of Columbia; grandchildren Matthew (Aggie) Harres, Kristin (Owen) Bass, Sarah (Ken) Lehrmann, Nathan (Laura) Harres, Jordan (Amanda) Harres, Hannah (Tucker Jensen) Harres, Melissa (Ryan) Maupin, Scott (Kelly) Harres, Stephanie Harres, Jake (Kasey) Stumpf and Jessie (Morgan Alberts) Stumpf; 14 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son Steven J. Harres; a daughter-in-infancy, Karen Harres; and a brother, Elwood Harres.

Visitation is Nov. 18, from 3-8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia, and Nov.19, from 10-11 a.m., at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia.

Funeral services will be Nov. 19, at 11 a.m., at the church,  Pastor Bob Goddard officiating.

Interment will follow at Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to: St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia or Songs4Soldiers.