Harold A. Hastings

Harold A. Hastings, age 81 of Lovilia, passed away on his birthday, Saturday, September 6, 2014, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Harold was born September 6, 1933, in Buxton, to Robert and Deanie (Smith) Hastings. He was a graduate of Lovilia High School, Class of 1951. Harold served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He married Mary Jo McGinn on October 11, 1958, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia. To this union 4 children were born, Diane, Jean, Judy and Jim. After Harold's service in the military, he worked for the U.S. Conservation Service. In 1959 he began work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, first as a surveyor and then as a park ranger at Red Rock Lake until retiring in 1992. After retiring, Harold worked for Grimes Asphalt where he helped with the construction and surveying of the bike trails at Red Rock. Harold was a very hard worker. He hand dug graves for 41 years in several cemeteries in the area and only retired from that work at the age of 76. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lovilia for over 50 years, and was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. Harold enjoyed cooking, baking pies, being outdoors, gardening, and hunting for Indian artifacts. He also spent his time refinishing furniture, caning chairs, and delighted in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Harold is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Jo Hastings of Lovilia; his children, Diane (Mike) Knowles of New Lenox, IL, Jean (Mark) Flattery of Albia, Judy (Rick) Tunning of Cumming, IA, Jim (Heather) Hastings of Bussey; 10 grandchildren, Ashlee Knowles, Michael (Katelyn) Knowles, Angie Knowles, Cody (Brittany) Flattery, Sydney Flattery, Meghan (Jake) Langel, Tyler Tunning, Ashley Tunning, Jensen Hastings and Jenna Hastings; a great-grandson, Carter Knowles; a brother, Delbert (Barb) Hastings; a sister-in-law, Gayle Hastings; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Deanie; mother and father-in-law, Frank and Mary McGinn; a brother, John Hastings; and his cousin and close friend, Ilene Pottoroff. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lovilia; with Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial with military rites, provided by the American Legion of Lovilia, Albia and Melrose will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2014, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Harold's family present throughout the day and evening. A rosary will be led by Deacon Edwin Kamerick at 4:00 p.m., with a Christian Wake Service beginning at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Monroe County or to Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

Harold A. Hastings

September 6, 1933 - September 6, 2014