Roy Harkrader Jr.

Roy Harkrader Jr. was born in Conway Springs, Kansas on January 8, 1922. He passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 in Fredonia, Kansas. Roy was the fourth of six children born to Letha Bellmon Harkrader and Roy Harkrader Sr. He attended elementary school in Sedgwick County, Kansas. In the fall of 1935 the family moved to the Andover community in Butler County. Roy graduated from Andover High School in 1940 and from Eldorado Junior College in 1942. In October of 1942 Roy entered the U.S. Army and took his basic training at Ft. Warren, Wyoming and then did three additional months of training at Camp Butler, North Carolina. He was shipped overseas in April of 1943 where he joined the 165th infantry, 27th infantry Division. In November 1943 the 165th Infantry first engaged in combat on Makin Island in the Gilbert Campaign. They then saw combat on Saipan in June 1944. After Saipan the 165th again went into combat on Okinawa in 1945. Roy was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Three Bronze Stars and The Good Conduct Medal for action in these campaigns. He received his honorable discharge in October 1945. After Army service Roy enrolled at Kansas State University where he completed 90 hours of college credit. He then graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1963. Roy entered the teaching field in September 1947 at Cassoday, Kansas where he served as Elementary Principal, taught 7th and 8th grades, coached all sports and took care of the hot lunch program, all for the salary of $2,080.00 per year. In 1952 Roy went to Elk City, Kansas to teach where he met Eloise Newkirk. They were married on March 6, 1954. To this union two sons were born, Randal of Fredonia, Kansas and Robert of New Strawn, Kansas. Roy and Eloise celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 6, 2004. Roy taught school for 29 years and worked for Grolier Educational Cooperation for 8 years where he served as Regional Director for Kansas and Missouri. Roy served as president of the Wilson County Teachers Association, president of the Cherryvale Teachers Association, two terms as president of the Wilson County Historical Society, where he was a lifetime member. In 1987 Roy was chosen as Cherryvale Master Teacher. Roy and his wife, Eloise, founded the Altoona Days Association where Roy served as President for 15 years. At retirement Roy was presented a silver plaque for winning 375 basketball games by the Kansas State Basketball Association. He loved basketball and enjoyed coaching both boys and girls. Roy enjoyed gardening, raising cattle and caring for their laying flock. Roy loved all animals and especially dogs. Roy and Eloise always had a dog their entire married life. Both Roy and Eloise loved trees, which is evident by all the lovely trees planted the yards of all the homes they lived. Roy loved his family and grandchildren, and above all his wife, Eloise. Roy is survived by Eloise of the home. His two sons and their families; Randal and Regina of Fredonia, Kansas and Robert and Janet of New Strawn, Kansas. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Kevin, Allen, and Bryan Harkrader, Andy, Casey and Ashley Krenz. Also surviving are his brother Marvin Harkrader of Fredonia and two sisters; Helen and Bob Malcom of Okmulgee, Oklahoma and Mary and Keith Oâ€™Donnell of Ozawkie, Kansas. Roy was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Floyd and Harry Harkrader. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 8, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia, with Pastor Les Griffith officiating, burial to follow at Oakhill Cemetery at Elk City, Kansas. Visitation will be Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 5-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. The family suggests memorials to the Roy Harkrader Educational Scholarship Fund and may be left with the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736

Roy Harkrader Jr.

January 8, 1922 - April 5, 2011