Mr. Harold Wayne Carr, 83, of Knoxville, Illinois died 10:42 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Courtyard Estates in Knoxville.
He was born January 5, 1940, in Utica, Oklahoma to Oad and Alma Dale (Jackson) Carr. He married Gwen Lou Gosdin, September 10, 1960, in Durant, Oklahoma.
Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Gwen Carr of Knoxville, three daughters, Cathy (and Phil) Baker of Summerville, South Carolina, Lou Ann (and Tom) Kisler of Summerville, South Carolina, Karen (and Simon Negri) Carr of Chicago, Illinois, a brother, Roger Carr of Durant, Oklahoma, two sisters, Alta Russell of Caddo, Oklahoma and Dorene Huffstutler of Hurst, Texas, and five grandchildren, Brian, Danielle, Grant, Connor, and Liam. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Rex Carr, Kenneth Carr, and Timothy Carr, and two sisters, June Fields and Doris Jackson.
Harold graduated from Utica High School, Utica, Oklahoma in 1957. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1960 and his master’s degree in 1968 from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant Oklahoma. He was a high school teacher in Fairview, Montana and later in McKinney, Texas before moving to Galesburg and teaching at Lombard Junior High School for 26 years. He retired in May of 1994 after 32 years of teaching. After retiring from teaching, he enjoyed helping his friend C.L. Palmer on his farm. Harold was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg. He was a Deacon of the church, Bible Study Leader, and was involved with several other activities. He was also an active member of Gideons International. He enjoyed fishing and gardening, and loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 4, 2023, at Bethel Baptist Church, Galesburg. Funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 4, 2023, at the church with Pastor Chad Torrison officiating. Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gideons International or to Bethel Baptist Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
