Harold Salyer

Harold Dean Salyer, 96, a prominent farmer in Higginsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at his home. Harold was born Thursday, November 24, 1927 in Higginsville, to the late Henry Salyer and the late Mildred (Oxley) Salyer. He graduated from Higginsville High School in 1945. Following graduation, he began farming, a past time he loved and enjoyed. On August 8, 1946 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Harwood after World War ll. In 1947 he entered the United States Air Force Reserves until 1951. Harold was a lifetime member of the VFW and had just reached his 40 years in the American Legion. Harold was united in marriage to Dorothy Ann (Ainsworth) Salyer on July 8, 1951 at the Salem United Church of Christ in Higginsville. She preceded him in death on February 15, 1975. Harold then married Penny (Cobb) Salyer on August 18, 1978, she survives of the home. Harold dedicated his life to farming. He was proud to be recognized by the state of Missouri as a Century Farm. He enjoyed trains and was amused that he did not receive his first W-2 until the age of 80, when he worked as a licensed train engineer for MFA moving trains. Harold donated his time to the Heifer Project helping families in need. Harold was a member of the Stockton Yacht Club in Stockton, MO where he raced yachts and sailboats. He enjoyed traveling and visiting St. George Island, Florida. He was a member of the St. Vincent Island Wildlife Refuge Association in St. Vincent, Florida. He was a member of the Salem United Church of Christ and he volunteered for Youth on Mission in group work camps. He worked as a camp photographer as well. Harold was a lifelong resident of Higginsville and will surely be missed for years to come. Surviving are his wife, Penny of the home; three sons, David (B.J.) Salyer of Higginsville, Bill (Cheryl) Salyer of Boonville, MO, Craig (Cheryl) Cobb of Holts Summit, MO; four daughters, Julie (Rick) Doudrick of Warsaw, MO, Jolene (Dwayne) Magruder of Tuscumbia, MO, Sarah (Kerry) King of Raymore, MO, and Carolyn (Daryl) Jarman of Urbandale, IA; seventeen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Salyer; and one brother, Rowan Salyer. The family will receive friends from 10AM to 11AM on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Salem United Church of Christ located at 1500 N. Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the church with Rev. Betty Thaller officiating. Interment will follow in the Salem Cemetery, Higginsville, MO with military honors. Casket bearers: Jeff Doudrick, Victor Jarman, Kevin King, Brendon Magruder, Caleb Salyer, Jordan Salyer. Memorials may be made out to Tunnels to Towers Foundation. www.dogood.t2t.org

Harold Salyer

November 24, 1927 - February 6, 2024