Harold Duane Poland passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Mount Joseph Senior Village, Concordia. Harold was born on December 15, 1922 in Barnes, Kansas. He was the son of Jesse and Alice Poland. Harold graduated from Barnes High School in 1940, worked in the Barnes Post Office for two years, and then enrolled at Kansas State University.
Harold was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1943. He served in the 31st Infantry Division in New Guinea, the Netherland East Indies, and the Philippines until January 1946. He returned to Kansas State University in February 1946 and graduated in June 1948 in Business Administration.
Harold married LaVera Thoms on February 8, 1947 in Louisville, Kentucky. They moved to Salina where Harold was an assistant manager for J.C. Penney’s. They moved to Clyde in March 1949, and Harold worked at the Elk State Bank for the next forty-seven years. Harold retired from the bank on December 31, 1996, and he continued to serve on the Board of Directors until February 2016. He also served as the executor of many estates until 2009.
Harold and LaVera were blessed with five children: Richard Poland – Anchorage, AK; Karen (Bruce) Wilgers – Wichita, KS; Bruce (Pam) Poland – Raymore, MO; Scott (Eddie) Poland – Los Angeles, CA; and Shari (Jeff) Duncan – Olathe, KS as well as many wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Harold was an avid supporter of the community of Clyde and the surrounding area. He served on the Board of Directors of the Elk State Bank, Clyde Area Foundation, Park Villa Nursing Home, Clyde Housing Authority, Concordia Community Concerts, Hospital Finance Board of Concordia, Lester Lawrence Foundation, and the Leola Wood Trust. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, City Council, School Board, Lions Club, VFW, Fireman’s Relief Association, North Central Catbackers Club, and other organizations. He was also an active member of the Clyde Christian Church. Harold was a member of the Concordia Country Club, and he enjoyed many rounds of golf with his wife, LaVera, and with his many friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-eight years, his parents, his brothers Melvin and Willis, and his sisters Laura and Helen. He is survived by his children and their spouses, nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. on Thurs., March 18, 2021 at Chaput Mortuary in Clyde with the family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the Clyde Christian Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Clyde with Military Honors by Clyde VFW Post #7515. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Clyde Area Foundation, the Clyde Lions Club, or Manhattan Christian College in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbouy.com.