Harold Waddell
Harold Waddell
Harold Waddell
May 4, 1941 – December 18, 2012
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 71
Harold Waddell, 71, of rural Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at his home south of Beacon. He was born May 4, 1941, at Leighton, Iowa, the son of Alfred and Helen DeGeest Waddell. While in school Harold worked for the old United Food Store in Oskaloosa. He graduated from the Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1959. Following graduation he moved to Des Moines and did carpentry work, he learned to be a very talented cabinet maker during that time. On April 2, 1962, he was united in marriage to Rita Sharp in Des Moines. In 1973 Harold and his family moved back to Oskaloosa and he went to work at Vermeer. Lastly he worked for the State Highway Department, retiring from there in the late 1980’s. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oskaloosa. Harold was an avid fisherman; he enjoyed his time on the river, be it fishing from the sandbar or racing home on the boat to beat a thunderstorm. He also enjoyed working on and showing his 1956 Ford Victoria that he fully restored. Harold delighted in spending time with his family, attending his children and grandchildren’s events were always a highlight. He also enjoyed woodworking and going to the races. Harold had a love of life and having fun, he was a practical jokester and was always trying to lighten things up no matter what, and this was evident when he would play tricks on his nurses and caregivers. Harold will be missed by his four legged friend Peaches whom was by his side and brought him much joy throughout his illness.
His family includes his wife of over fifty years, Rita of rural Oskaloosa; four children, Jim (& Shirley) Waddell of Des Moines, Ronda (& Dean) Trainer of Oskaloosa, Curt Waddell of rural Oskaloosa, and Kellie (& Lowell) Comstock of Oskaloosa; ten grandchildren, Andy Waddell, Kurt Waddell, Darren (& Malea) Trainer, Corey (& fiancée Katie) Trainer, Lucas Trainer, Lauren Trainer, Greg Comstock, Alisha Comstock, Nicole Comstock, and Eric Comstock; one great grandson, Karsyn Trainer; a brother, Gene Waddell of Leighton; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Michael Waddell.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 22, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Dr. Dennis Morey officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Friday morning after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 6-8 Friday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Pella Dialysis Unit or the First Presbyterian Church in Oskaloosa.
