Harold Harrell

HAROLD E. HARRELL IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Harold E. Harrell, 81, of Idaho Falls, passed away on the morning of March 20, 2004, at his home. He was born May 22, 1922, in Hilger, Montana, to Evert Harrell and Hester Eastin Harrell. He was the sixth child of nine born in the family. The family farmed and ranched a homestead near Hilger until Harold was 14, at which time they moved to Idaho. Harold left school after the eighth grade in order to help his family on their farm south of Idaho Falls. Eventually, the family moved to the Mud Lake area to farm there. Times were tough then, and Harold pitched in, working along side the men, ensuring that his family could make it through the Depression years. While living south of Idaho Falls, he met Mildred Stringham. Even after the move to Mud Lake, their love for each other grew and strengthened. They were married on May 17, 1943. While Millie was pregnant with their first child, Harold joined the Army in the Spring of 1944. Earning his Airborne wings, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Europe during the occupation and early reconstruction after VE Day. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Shortly after returning to Idaho Falls, he began work with Clark Concrete. The business was sold, becoming Idaho Concrete Products, and eventually Amcor, Inc. Harold worked in the construction industry, operating heavy equipment and maintaining production equipment until his retirement in 1987. Harold was a quiet source of strength to his family and friends. He believed in old-fashioned values and the honor of a handshake deal. He gladly lent a hand whenever something needed fixed or built, and everyone who knew him knew that there was nothing he could not repair or build. What Harold lacked in education, he more than made up for with common sense and an innate ability to figure out how things work. From cars to home repair to rock crushers, he made them all work, and work well. When not engaged in work, Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing, but none more than simple gatherings, surrounded by his family. Harold is survived by his loving wife, Millie; daughters, Sharon, Linda and Vicki of Idaho Falls; sons & daughters-in-law, Ed and Nadine of Yorba Linda, California, Ron and Diane of Boise; sisters, Marie Hall, Ruby Tull and Lucille and her husband Dick Kalal; brother, Jim and his wife Sadie; 9 grandchildren, Shane, Paul, Jon, Dereck, Heidi, Ryan, Tracey, Ashley, and Megan; and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Martha Ann; 3 brothers, Ernie, Butch and Jake; and grandchildren, Michael and Frankie. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at Wood East Side Chapel (963 S. Ammon). The family will meet with friends for one hour prior to the services at Wood East Side. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home in Idaho Falls. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.