Harold David Deem

Harold David Deem, 85, of Lake Kiowa, passed away Wednesday March 22, 2017.

Harold was born in Brookfield, MO on May 4, 1931. In 1949, he graduated from Tracy High School in Tracy, MN. He served his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart.

In 1955, Harold married Claire Moon from Tracy, MN. Their 62-year marriage blessed them with 3 daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Harold and Claire moved to Dallas, TX in 1957, where he became a successful restauranteur, starting out by managing Jack in the Box to owning his own franchise of T.G.I. Fridays.

For many years, Harold and Claire enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to many different areas of the country making many friends along the way. He loved riding his motorcycles, boating and more recently, his 3-wheeled Slingshot. Harold was on the Board of Directors at the First State Bank of Gainesville and also was a very active member of Whaley United Methodist Church.

Harold adored his family and is survived by his wife Claire Deem of Lake Kiowa, his daughters: Brenda O’Connor and her husband Boyd of Garland, Vickie Deem of Albuquerque, NM, and Davena Thomas of Irving; grandchildren: Whitney Pierson and her husband Matt, Madison O’Connor, Ashlee, Cameron, Bryan and Dylan Ramsey, Justin Deem and his wife Nikki, Corey, Kyle, and Spencer Carnes; great-grandchildren: Alexandria, Makayla, Jadyn, Trenton, Trinton, Jo’Dee and Henry; sisters Virginia Ann Kuehl and Cynthia Radloff.

Mr. Deem was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Jackson O’Connor.

A visitation will be held at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home Sunday March 26, 2017 at 7:00 PM.

Funeral services are set for 10:00 AM Monday, March 27, 2017 at Whaley United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Jones officiating. A reception for the family will be held at the church immediately following the service. Burial will occur in Fairview Cemetery.