Harold S. Enslen, 96, of Mexico, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, Missouri.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Mexico United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church.
Harold was born on June 14, 1929 in Wellsville, Missouri, the son of James and Winifred (Stratton) Enslen. On May 24, 1952 he married Mary Lou Ziegler in Columbia, South Carolina, who preceded him in death on May 28, 2020.
Harold proudly served in the United States Army and lived a life of deep faith, civic engagement, and community service. He was a longtime member and lay minister of the Methodist Church and served on the church board. He and Mary Lou were active in mission work to Kentucky and Louisiana, coordinated bazaars and church donations, and supported global efforts like the World Day of Sharing.
Throughout his life, Harold committed himself to the betterment of his community. His involvements included:
· YMCA volunteer
· Hospital, nursing home, and VA visits
· Chamber of Commerce Colonel and recipient of the C.R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award
· Founder of the Frisbee course in the city park
· Kiwanis officer
· Mexico City Councilman for 11 years and Mayor from 1972–1973
· Planning & Zoning Committee
· Mexico School Board member and recipient of the Pioneers in Education Award
· Private Industry Council and Mid-MO Council of Government
· Chairman of Refractories Packaging & Shipping Committee
· Community Hero Award from the Safeco Insurance Foundation
· Habitat for Humanity volunteer, contributing to six home builds
· Donated equipment to PET for global aid
· Active supporter of vocational education and local youth initiatives
· Weekly volunteer repairs for the Handi Shop and donations to Presser Hall rehab
· Organizer of the Annual Annie Arnold Garage Sale
· Maintained lawns, delivered food grinders and sewing machines overseas, and served as ombudsman for nursing home concerns
Mary Lou mirrored Harold’s devotion to service. Together they modeled a legacy of service that inspired many.
Survivors include two sons, Harold Neil Enslen, of Roy, Utah, and Joel Enslen (Diana), of Mexico; one daughter Laurel Auck (Lowell), of Centralia; five grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and one sister, Lela Chandler of Middletown.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Mexico United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, Mexico Audrain County Library, or Simmons’ Stables. Memorials may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western Street, Mexico, MO 65265.
Condolences to the family may be given at pickeringfh.com
