Harold Dean Hefley's Obituary
Harold Dean Hefley, 92, passed away peacefully at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 27, 1932, in Mount Judea, Arkansas, to Loyd and Dora (Holt) Hefley.
After graduating from Mount Judea High School in 1950, Harold attended Arkansas Tech University. On December 5, 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army. Following training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was deployed to Korea in April of 1953, where he served in the 45th Infantry of the 10th Engineers Division. In May of 1954, a ceasefire was declared, ending the North-South Korean conflict, and Corporal Hefley was honorably discharged on October 20, 1954.
On July 17, 1955, Harold married his high school sweetheart, and the absolute love of his life, Louella “Lou” Greenhaw, and the couple began their life together in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To this union, Harold and Louella were blessed with their children: Janice Lu, Karen, Michael, and Harold's daughter, Patti. Harold started his career in printing at Standard Publishing Company in August of 1955, working as a four-color pressman. He retired in 1997, after 42 years of dedicated service to the Printing Press.
Harold found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially in spending time with his grandchildren. His love for fishing was beyond compare; he could often be found casting his line in the free-flowing streams of Big Creek or the Buffalo River in Newton County, Arkansas. After moving to Oklahoma, Spavinaw Creek became his favorite fishing spot.
Beyond family and fishing, Harold enjoyed attending TU basketball games, playing dominoes, betting “627” at the horse races, and making regular visits to Wal-Mart, where he was a familiar and friendly face. He also cherished road trips with his wife and their dear friends, Wayne and Joyce Smalley.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd, and Dora Hefley; his infant daughter, Janice Lu; his brother, James Carl Hefley, and sister-in-law, Ruth Hefley; and two nieces, Sharon, and Linda. He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Louella (Greenhaw) Hefley; their children, Karen (Hefley) Schemet, and her husband Mark Schemet; Michael D. Hefley, and his wife Lori (Cunningham) Hefley; and Harold's daughter, Patti Murphy Frazier, and her husband Richard Frazier. Harold also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren and their spouses: Michael Dean Jr. and wife Lindsey Hefley; Heather (Schemet) Alexander and husband Justin Alexander; Tyler and wife Ashley Hefley; and Kaylyn (Schemet) Davis and husband Spencer Davis. His legacy lives on in his adorable great-grandchildren: Emma, Ethan, Noah, and Elijah Hefley; Josiah and Adelyn Alexander; and Hollis Davis. Harold is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Louise, and Bruce Spradlin; his brother-in-law and wife, Dale, and Vicki Greenhaw; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Simplifi Home Health and St. Francis Hospice for the exceptional care that was provided to Harold during his final moments.
Harold’s kind heart, sense of humor, dedication to service, and unwavering love for his family will always be remembered and cherished. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A public visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, located at 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Harold's memory to St. Francis Hospice in Tulsa, Mount Judea Cemetery (c/o Lena Jean Gregory: 2076 NC 6310, Mount Judea, AR 72655), or a charity of your choice. Those wishing to send flowers for the service may do so by contacting Floral Designs by Floral Haven at (918) 459-1525. Independent florists are kindly asked to deliver flowers directly to Floral Haven Funeral Home by 1:00 PM on Sunday, November 24, 2024, to ensure proper display for Harold's visitation.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Harold's life will take place at 12:30 PM on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, located at 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012, with Pastor Scott Zimmerman officiating. The U.S. Army Honor Guard will be in attendance to render Military Honors in remembrance of Harold and his service to his country.
Following the chapel service, a reception and time of gathering will be held from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM at Floral Haven’s Family Center. Harold's family would like to kindly extend an invitation to anyone wishing to attend the reception to continue in fellowship and in the sharing of memories. The Floral Haven Family Center is also located on-site at Floral Haven Funeral Home, 6420 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Harold will be laid to rest at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Mount Judea Cemetery, located at 10613-10625 AR-74, Mount Judea, AR 72655. Harold's family would like to warmly invite any guests wishing to attend the graveside committal.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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