Harold Vay Stephenson, 89, of Grant City, MO peacefully passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017. Memorial service will be Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, MO with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Inurnment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mt. Ayr, Iowa.
Harold was born on June 4, 1928 on a farm southeast of Denver, MO. Harold was the 4th of 7 children born to John Dale and Dorotha Grace Stephenson.
Harold graduated from Albany High School and kicked around a bit prior to joining the Army. He was stationed in Europe during the Korean conflict. He began his service as a mechanic and then was chosen to join special services where he represented his country as a world class pole vaulter.
Harold retired after many years working in construction, mostly in waterproofing, concrete finishing and as a bricklayer. Harold, along with his first wife, Ann, and second wife, Virginia, owned and operated a popcorn wagon, travelling to fairs, steam engine shows and tractor pulls in the Midwest.
He also was a newspaper carrier for the Kansas City Star for many years while living in Independence, MO.
During his retirement years, he and Virginia enjoyed time as snowbirds in Arizona and later in Weslaco, TX. Harold enjoyed camping, gardening, farming, bird watching, square dancing, time in the Ozarks with his family, and mowing grass. As a proud veteran, he was able to enjoy an Honor Flight to our nation’s capital this past May.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Virginia, his first wife, Ann Wolf, his brothers, Donald, JV and Phillip, and infant sister, Phyllis. He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Dennis) Carroll of Kansas City, MO, John Stephenson of Sheridan, MO, Elizabeth Stephenson of Sugar Creek, MO and Paul (Bridgette) Stephenson of Grain Valley, MO. Harold is also survived by his brother, Dick Stephenson of Albany, MO, his sister, Berniece Barber, and sisters-in-law, Rosemary and Barbara Stephenson, all of Grant City, MO. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who will miss their Grandpa, Uncle and special Unk.
Memorials may be made in Harold’s honor to Honor Flight Network of Kansas City or to Orilla’s Way.
Special thanks to the staff at Orilla’s Way. You are the best!
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