Harold Virgil McDermed, 89, of rural Warrensburg Missouri, tragically passed away in a vehicle accident Friday, July 1, 2016.
He was born August 24, 1926 in Walnut, Kansas to Virgil E. and Letha Marie (Oldham) McDermed.
He was drafted into the Navy Oct 27, 1943 and was honorably discharged Oct 21, 1945. He served as an Electrician’s Mate Second Class aboard the, NTS Farragut Idaho, and the USS Sargent Bay. He was a member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He received the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal, and Asiatic- Pacific Area Medal with 4 stars and Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 stars.
After his discharge from the Navy he worked for several elevator companies -- Westinghouse, Dover, and Schindler Haughton, Kone until he retired in 1994 from Schindler Haughton.
He was a member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church Higginsville, MO, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a very active member.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Mildner Council #2244, and the 4th Degree Bishop Thomas Francis Lillis Assembly #0584. He became a 1st Degree Knight on 1/12/1966 spending more than 50 years in the Knights and was active until his death. He served on many committees including the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Degree Teams, State Warden for the Council, Kansas City Diocese Coordinator. He was instrumental in starting the 5th grade vocational day. He was always pushing the vocational assistance for the Knights. He received many awards and recognitions for his service to the Knights.
He is survived by his wife Josie McDermed, whom he married on September 3, 1995.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Lelia Marie (Keeney) McDermed. To them were born six children, all of whom are surviving with their spouses:
Donna Marie Slifer (Tom)
of Odessa, Missouri
of Odessa, MissouriSteve McDermed (Andrea)of Odessa, Missouri
(Andrea)of Odessa, Missouri Bob McDermed (Jennifer)of Harrisonville, Missouri
(Jennifer)of Harrisonville, MissouriTim McDermed (Debbie)of Blue Springs, Missouri
(Debbie)of Blue Springs, MissouriMarty McDermed (Sharon)of Odessa, Missouri
(Sharon)of Odessa, MissouriTeresa Ostermeyer (Larry)of Odessa, Missouri
(Larry)of Odessa, MissouriAlso surviving are two children from Josie’s first marriage:
Peter and Shannon Pierson of Cole Camp, Missouri
of Cole Camp, MissouriTony Gaudiello of Wichita, Kansas
of Wichita, KansasTwo sisters:
Bonnie Prideaux and Margarete Nelson both of Girard Kansas
both of Girard KansasSister-in-law: Margaret McDermed of Fort Scott, Kansas
Margaret McDermed of Fort Scott, KansasThere are 38 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren and 22 great, great grandchildren and many, many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his first wife and parents, he is also preceded in death by:
Brothers: Charles, Floyd, and Paul McDermed
Charles, Floyd, and Paul McDermedVisitation will be Wed., July 6th from 7-9 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Higginsville.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thurs., July 7th at 10:00 am, concelebrated by: Fr. Richard Rocha, Fr. Tom Hawkins, Fr. Ron Elliott
The rosary will be recited at 9:30 am before the Mass.
Casket Bearers: Jon Azbill, Joe Azbill, Tim McDermed, Jeff McDermed, Mason McDermed, Roman McDermed, Kris McDermed, Kevin Roberts
Honorary Casket Bearers: Jerry Wade, George Nuelle, Bobby Beck, Ralph Franklin, Albert Ryan, Sr., Mike Ryan, Mitch Bennett, Bill Summerlin, Rick Sengstacken.
He will be buried in the Odessa Cemetery with the Odessa VFW Post #5675 providing the honor guard. The Patriot Guard will provide the escort from the church to the cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Knights of Columbus for children’s charities, in lieu of flowers.
Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home
