Harold Dean Jefferson, 89, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico after a short stay.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 16, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M at Arnold Funeral Home.
Harold was born on May 4, 1934, in Bachelor, the son of Robert Earl and Katie Lorene Jefferson. On April 11, 1959, he married Carole Scott in Fulton. They were married for 64 years.
He grew up in rural Callaway County and graduated from Fulton High School in 1953. Harold farmed with his grandfather, George Washington Jefferson, before enlisting in the Army in January 1955. He received an honorable discharge in January of 1958. Harold worked for several years at the Missouri Highway Department in Mexico before going to work at Wetterau Foods. He worked there for 30 years until the Mexico Division closed.
Harold was a farmer at heart. He loved growing things, being outside, going to auctions and working in his workshop making benches and building birdhouses as gifts for people.
He is survived by his wife, Carole; two daughters, JoAnn (Jack) Nengel of Mexico and Sherry (Bill) Sonwalt of Rush Hill; son, Robert (Laura) Jefferson of Denver, Colo.; brother, George (Linda) Jefferson of Wildwood; grandchildren, Chris (Becky) Nichols, Sarah (Steve) Kennemore, Scott (Sheila) Nichols, Kelly Sonwalt, Leah (Jay) Stuart and Andy (Logan) Sonwalt; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Katie Jefferson; three brothers, Cecil, Roy Lee and R.E. Jefferson; and his grandparents.
Harold was a good son, brother, husband, father, grand-father and friend. He will be missed by all!
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital or charity of choice. They may be sent in care of St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
