Harold Shoaf

Harold J. Shoaf, 86, Topeka, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2005. Harold was born June 24, 1919, in Buffalo, KS, to Jess and Sadie Leach Shoaf. He married Ruth on March 12, 1943, in Springfield, MO. Harold was in the Army active duty from 1941, to 1945, in the Chief clerk registrar’s office and a WWII veteran. He graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Education. He acquired many additional college credit hours from Kansas State University. Harold began teaching at the consolidated schools in Benedict, KS, in a one room rural school house. Later he taught vocational education in Fredonia. Harold was an Assistant State Supervisor for Vocational Education. Harold is known statewide and nationally for his contribution in agricultural education and holds the Honorary American Farmer Degree presented by the National Future Farmers of America organization in 1972. Harold was also a Director for Legislative and Public Affairs for Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. While working as a Lobbyist for KEC he organized and directed two statewide programs, Washington, D.C., “Government in Action” and Steamboat Springs, Colorado “Energy Seminar.” Harold was the first Executive Secretary of Young Farmers and Young Farmers Wives in Kansas. Harold was Executive Secretary for Kansas association of FFA for eight years. He organized the first FFA state alumni organization. He was a member of the Assembly of God church. Later he was a charter member of Western Hills Baptist Church and was very active in church activities. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter Earlene Shoaf. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Shoaf, Topeka; a daughter, Jan Carter and her husband Bud Carter, Topeka; a granddaughter, Jamie Parr and her husband, Stephen Parr, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania, and a grandson Brian Carter, Topeka. Harold will lie in state, Tuesday, December 20, 2005, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka, KS 66614. A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at West Lawn Memorial Gardens, Topeka, KS. Memorial contributions can be made to Western Hills Baptist Church, to help purchase video equipment, sent in care of the funeral home.

Harold Shoaf

June 24, 1919 - December 13, 2005