Harry was born in St. Louis as the eldest of four children to Harry L. Self Sr. and Virginia L. Self. He grew up in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from Drury University before marrying and moving to Kansas City in 1966. A devoted and loving husband, Harry shared over 55 years of marriage with the late Glenda-Jo Self (née Smith), whom he met while in middle school.
Originally enlisting with the United States Air Force during the conscription era, Harry discovered a lifelong passion for air travel and enthusiasm about aircraft, both military and civilian. He so enjoyed the adventure and camaraderie he found in the Air Force Reserve that he ascended to senior master sergeant rank and continued to serve as a reservist in the 442nd Fighter Wing at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base on weekends for decades.
Harry worked tirelessly the rest of the week as an Administrative Officer for the Industrial Waste Control Division of the Kansas City Water Services Department, a position that he faithfully fulfilled nearly his entire professional career, from 1972 through 2003. Harry and Glenda-Jo eventually retired to Overland Park for quiet, content senior years spent volunteering, traveling and exploring hobbies, including music.
Harry is survived by his three siblings—Bette Burrow of Salem, Oregon; Nelson Self of Springfield, Missouri; and Patty Katzfey of St. Louis, Missouri—as well as his daughter Teresa Self of Kansas City, Missouri and son Henry Self of Los Angeles, California.
Harry is very fondly remembered as a warm-hearted, affable and gentle soul. His friends, family members and neighbors will forever miss his sweet smile and kind spirit.
Harry’s memorial service is 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to Wayside Waifs or Village Presbyterian Church.
