Harold Arthur Velasquez, 95, Berryton, KS, passed away February 15, 2023 at his home. He was born February 16, 1928, in Anthony, KS, the second oldest of 4 children of Antonio and Nora (Byas) Velasquez.
Harold graduated from Anthony High School in 1946 and went on to join the United States Army. He was a Bronze star recipient for combat service in Korea and was Honorably discharged from the Army in 1952. Upon his return, he attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where he graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. He then obtained his Master of Science in Education in 1962. During his career he taught Industrial Arts and counseled students for over 30 years at Highland Park High School, Eisenhower Junior High School, and Shawnee Heights High School in the Topeka area. He was a long-time member of Berryton United Methodist Church, Berryton, KS, and belonged to the local Kiwanis Club.
Harold married his sweetheart, Lillian Marie Duwe (d. 2011), on June 3, 1953 in Freeport, KS. He is survived by his youngest sister Mary Helen Velasquez of Derby; his children Jonathan (Terry) of Olathe; Brian (Ruth) of Springfield, MO; Elizabeth Velasquez of Berryton; Christian (Jeneé) of Midland, MI; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and a host of many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lillian, daughter Allison, brother Joe, sister Betty, daughter-in-law Laura, and granddaughter Marlene.
Harold will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:30–7:30 p.m, Monday, February 20, 2023 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Berryton United Methodist Church. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Freeport Cemetery in Freeport, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Berryton United Methodist Church, 7010 SE Berryton Rd., Berryton, KS 66409 or to Midland Care (Hospice), 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
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