Harold L Gentry

Harold was born June 27, 1934, in Columbia, Missouri, to Elery E. and Ruby P. (Watson) Gentry.

He attended Columbia Public Schools and graduated from Hickman High School.

On April 17, 1953, Harold married the love of his life, Gracehelen Diltz. They shared 60 wonderful years of marriage, building a life and family together until her passing in 2013.

Harold loved the Lake of the Ozarks, where he spent many years fishing, boating, entertaining family and friends, and enjoying life on the water. He was a member of Elks Lodge 2705 in Gravois Mills and was also a proud Freemason for more than 50 years as a member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri.

Harold is survived by his daughter-in-law, Crystal; his grandson, Jason, and his wife, Erin; his beloved great-granddaughter; his nieces, Diana Jones, Marcia Avery and Tina Crane, and their spouses; and his nephews, Burt Carr, Mike Carr, Jeff Carr and Rod Avery, and their spouses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elery and Ruby Gentry; his loving wife, Gracehelen; his two sons, Steven and Ronald; and his siblings, Earl Gentry, Maxine Avery, Ruth Carr and Gene Gentry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harold’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Family and friends are invited to share words of comfort and support during visitation on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. A service honoring and celebrating Harold’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Committal prayers and burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.