Harold Missimer

Harold Ralph Missimer was a man who had a passion for farming. During his lifetime, he was never far away from the land he loved so much. He believed in enjoying life to the fullest, at every stage and in every activity. He was interested in old carsfully restoring a Model A Ford. He was a life-long member of the Methodist Church. Most importantly, he was a faithful husband, loving father, devoted grandfather, great grandfather and loyal friend. Born on April 21, 1912 in Woodbine, Kansas to David and Myrtle (Sidler) Missimer, Harold was the only boy of four children. David and Myrtle worked hard to raise Harold, along with his sisters, Irene, Helen and Evelyn by running the family farm. There are always chores to attend to on a farm, and of course Harold and his sisters were expected to help out. Luckily for Harold, he loved farming and all the work that it entails. During the Great Depression times were difficult for many Americans, but they were especially difficult for a family on a farm. Farming did however, teach the children the importance of hard work, thrift and working together as a family. When Harold wasnt helping out on the farm, he could be found playing with his friends and attending the nearby school, quitting for a time to farm, but then going back to complete his education. After graduating from Manhatten High School in Manhatten, Kansas, Harold enrolled in a short course in Dairy Farming at Kansas State and also worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Through friends, Harold was introduced to a pretty young teacher named Mary Gladys Graham. Gladys had already taken two years of medical school and was planning to return. After a time of dating, Harold and Gladys fell in love and made their love official by exchanged their vows on April 21, 1935. The young couple started their married life in Kansas with Harold trying to make a living from farming. Times were difficult and they struggled to make ends meet. Their ray of sunshine during this time was the birth of their son, Roger. A daughter, Lucile, would complete the family in 1943 With their expanding family and money still tight, Harold decided to move the family to Howe, Indiana, where he was offered a job as a herdsman for a dairy farm. After only a year, Harold was offered another job, by the Kersch family, to manage their hobby farm in Notawa, Michigan. This was a dream come true for Harold, who was allowed to use his years of farming experience and expertise to run the farm. Unfortunately, due to a leg injury (from a kick from a cow) it was hard for Harold to carry out his duties. Gladys' early medical training came in handy and she helped Harold in his recovery. With the coming of World War II, Harold moved to Detroit, to work as a tool maker in order help in the war effort, but his heart was always with farming. In 1946, returning to the land he loved, Harold bought a forty acre farm in Reading, Michigan. Working the farm by day, Harold supplemented the family income by working the 2nd shift at a tool shop. The whole family was needed in order to run the farm and the fulltime farming responsibilities kept the family from traveling. Harold, of course, was happy, right where he was. As well as working the farm together, the family attended the local Methodist Church, where they were faithful and active members. Harold served on the boards and even had the honor of serving as congregation president for a time. Over the years, Harold was able to acquire more property, eventually owning one hundred and forty acres. In 1967, Harold began working for the Michigan State Highway Department, first on a survey crew, then as a supervisor for road projects. He gave them ten years of dedicated service, before retiring in 1977. After retirement, Harold and Gladys moved to Tucson, Arizona, at first living in a trailer park and then moving into a little three acre farm nearby. Harold had always been interested in old cars, and now that he was retired he had a chance to indulge in this interest. He started collecting parts, eventually completely restoring a Model A Ford. He joined the Tucson Model A Ford Club and sometimes served as auctioneer for their fundraising activities. Now that Harold and Gladys had the time and the money, they also had the opportunity to travel. They bought an Airstream trailor and traveled all across the United States, enjoying the spectacular scenery and sights along the way. Harold was proud of the fact that they had visited all fifty states. Sadly Gladys, after a long illness, passed away in 1983. It was difficult for Harold, without his beloved Gladys, but with the help of family and friends he was able to continue on with life. Harold met a lovely lady named Pearl Grindley, at the Methodist Church, in Tucson. The two were married in 1984, with Pearl moving into Harolds ranch. Harold and Pearl continued to travel and remained active in the church, until Pearls death in 2002. After Pearls death, Harold moved to Muskegon, Michigan, to live closer to his son, Roger and daughter Lucile. Harold moved into Village of the Oakes and it was there, that Harold met a lady named Eva Green and they soon became constant companions. They had a chance to travel together; even including Harolds daughter, Lucile in the adventures. They took a cruise through the Panama Canal and went to family reunions and weddings in Kansas. At Village of the Oakes, Harold was well-loved, by residents and staff alike. People were drawn to his cheerful, friendly personality, whether enthralled by his stories or listening for his singing and whistling in the hallways. Harold even entertained the residents with his mechanical animal collection. Harold had always been a healthy and sharp person right up to the end. Only the last few weeks did his body start to fail. In the end, Harold was surrounded by the people he loved so much-- his family. Harold was a man from a by-gone era. He was a man his family could depend on, not only for financial support, but for love and encouragement, as well. He had a passion for farming and was never too far from the land that he loved so much. He believed in enjoying life in all its stages. He was an outgoing, friendly man who will be greatly missed by family and friends whose lives he touched. Harold R. Missimer, age 97, died Thursday, May 14, 2009. SURVIVORS Son, Roger (Jane) Missimer of Muskegon; daughter, Lucile Missimer of Haslett MI; grandchildren, David (Linda) Missimer of IL, Catherine (William) Marlin of CO, John (Keri) Missimer of IL; great grandchildren, Cody Missimer, Wilson Marlin, Jane Marlin, Abigail Missimer, John David Marlin, Andrew Missimer; sister, Evelyn Jost of NV; special friend, Eva Green. He was preceded in death by his 1st wife Mary Gladys in 1983 & 2nd wife Pearl in 2002. SERVICE Monday, May 18, 2009, 1:30 PM at Central United Methodist Church-Muskegon with Rev. Randall Hanson officiating. Friends may meet with the family at a reception following the service. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, 1 PM at the Maplewood Cemetery, Reading MI. MEMORIAL: Central United Methodist Church Missionary Fund or Hackley VNS Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon