Harold Landgraf Sr.

Harold Eugene Landgraf Sr., 82, of Jackson died peacefully Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at Monticello House, after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 5, 1927, at Pocahontas, son of Ruben Christian Edward and Ruby Gertrude Sachse Landgraf. He and Betty Lou Wood were married April 9, 1948, at the Presbyterian Church in Jackson.

Harold graduated from Jackson High School in 1945, where he participated in football, basketball and track. He was always excited about reunion celebrations with his classmates over the years.

Harold joined his father and "Brother Bob" in the family construction business as a bricklayer.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on April 3, 1946, serving at Camp Stoneman, Calif., until his honorable discharge April 30, 1947. Harold told the story that he was boarding the ship when they asked, "Who can type?" He raised his hand and stayed stateside as a clerk typist.

He rejoined Landgraf Construction Co., where he took care of the masonry end of the business, retiring in 2006.

Harold enjoyed playing church league softball and bowling after he was married. After his children were born he coached Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion and the former Bi-State Jackson Braves baseball team. He spent countless hours working to improve the skills of the boys he coached and preparing the ball fields for play.

Harold was always available to help as his children joined 4-H, Jackson FFA, and went to the SEMO District and Missouri State fairs to show their livestock.

He and Betty could always be found in the bleachers watching their children and grandchildren play ball. He was a proud member of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158, where he served as post commander in 1989, was a member of the Honor Guard, and worked with bingo and the Jackson Homecomers celebration.

Harold was a member of Bricklayers Local 23 more than 50 years and was a board member of PWSD 1 of Cape Girardeau and Perry counties.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Betty; two sons, Harold "Pee Wee" Landgraf Jr. of Jackson, Jeffrey (Debbie) Landgraf of Gordonville; a daughter, Lannette (Eric) Wilkinson of Lowndes, Mo.; three grandchildren, Clayton (Courtney) Landgraf and Jessica (Brian) Randolph of Gordonville, Ashley Wilkinson of Lowndes; four great-grandchildren, Tristan John Birk and Mason and Piper Landgraf of Gordonville, Arica Wilkinson of Lowndes; a brother and best friend, Robert (June) Landgraf of Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Edmond Eugene Landgraf; and his parents.

Harold was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas, where he was baptized, confirmed and held various offices in the church.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. An American Legion Honor Guard service will be held at 4. Visitation will also be from 1 p.m. Sunday to service time at Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the church, with the Rev. Robert Mann officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors to be conducted.

The family would like to thank his doctors and staff at Saint Francis Medical Center, Monticello House and Southeast Hospice for the compassionate care given to Harold.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church, Southeast Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Online condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.