Harry Lee Hargrave, age 76, a resident of Brighton, Missouri, and a former resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at his residence.
Harry was born to Richard and Katie Ellen (May) Hargrave on April 4, 1947, in Chillicothe, Missouri. A 1965 graduate of Chillicothe High School, he pursued further education at Missouri Valley College, earning his degree in 1970. He later obtained his Master’s in Education from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri, in 1993. Harry’s commitment to his country was evident through his service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Korea.
His marriage to Myra Louise Hedrick took place in Carrollton, Missouri, on December 1, 1972. Myra survives him at their home. Harry’s professional life was diverse; he worked as a farmer and educator, teaching in the Southwest School District and the Chula School District. He also served as the Principal at Halfway Elementary School in Halfway, Missouri.
Harry’s community involvement was extensive. He was a dedicated member of the Chula Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and youth group leader. His commitment extended to various roles including membership in the Soil and Water Conservation Board, Livingston County R-3 School Board (1972-1993), Gideons International, Cream Ridge Township Board (as Treasurer), the Missouri Extension Council, and a 4-H leader. Additionally, he was a Director of the Leo’s in the Lions Club, Halfway. His hobbies included playing cards, hunting, reading, and a keen interest in woodworking and furniture refinishing.
Surviving family members include his son, Aaron Hargrave (wife Elizabeth) of Springfield, Missouri; daughters Kerry Savage of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Ellie Bishop of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren – Parker, Clayton, Eli, Evie, Henry, and Brooklyn; a brother, James R. Hargrave (wife Karen) of Warrensburg, Missouri; sisters-in-law Belinda Hedrick of Carrollton, Missouri, and Terehea Strider (husband Mike) of Hardin, Missouri; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Kenneth and Louise Hedrick, and granddaughter Myra Kate Savage.
Funeral services are scheduled at United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will occur at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with friends able to call from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial will follow at May Cemetery, Chula, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to May Cemetery and sent to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601.
