Harold Arnold Willhite

Harold A Willhite, 86, passed away on May 20, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Born on September 10, 1930 on a farm in Roseville Township, Minnesota, he met the love of his life, Joan Power, daughter of Albert and Martha Fisher Power, while in the Army and stationed at Yuma Proving Ground. They were married on May 31, 1956 in Yuma. Both Harold and Joan worked at the Yuma Proving Ground until their joint retirement in 1986. They were married for nearly 55 years at the time of Joan’s death in 2011.

Harold started his career at YPG as a young soldier, and when his enlistment was complete, he planned to return to Minnesota. However, the Army had different plans, asking him to continue working in a civilian capacity at the Airfield. Harold’s amazing mechanical talents were of great value in repairing and maintaining the helicopters used by the Army.

An avid hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiast, Harold found Yuma and Arizona ideal for his hobbies. He and Joan spent many hours sharing their interests with their children, nephews, nieces and friends, exploring the desert, teaching them to hunt, fish, water ski and enjoy the outdoors. Harold also used his mechanical talents to repair cars in his garage for family, neighbors, friends, co-workers and even strangers he found broken down on the road. He taught all the kids what wrench to hand him, how to change a tire and how to change the oil on the car before they could drive.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife Joan; son James Martin Willhite; grandson Billy Hunter; his parents; brothers Arnie Hennen, Bob Hennen, Kenny Hennen, Leonard Willhite, Leo Willhite, Merle Willhite, Nathan Willhite, Donald Willhite, Earl Larson, Edward Larson and Ellerd Larson; sisters Florence Hennen, Fern Thompson, Dorothy Jacobson, Grace Peterson, and Ann Hennen.

He is survived by son Bert Hunter (Linda), daughters Diane Minton (Frank) and Susan Hooper (Sid); grandchildren Jason Hunter, James Minton, John Minton, Mark Hooper and Ryan Hooper; great-grandchildren Nicolas Hunter, Skye Hunter, Elizabeth Minton and Michael Minton; brothers Duane Larson, Donnie Hennen, Dave Hennen, Larry Hennen, Howard Hennen, Ron Hennen, Leroy Hennen, Russ Hennen, Myron Hennen; sisters Ester Tharaldson, Deloris Westra, Helen Kolden, Mary Ann Smith, and Alice Smith; and numerous beloved nephews and nieces.

Graveside services for Harold will be held on May 27, 2017 10:00 a.m. at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National MS Society or the Hospice of Yuma.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, Glendale, AZ.