Harold Paschal

Harold Paschal was born Harry Peoples to Polly Peoples on March 16, 1941. Harold grew up never knowing his biological father. His mother being only 17 years old at the time, gave Harold to her older sister and her husband, Virginia and Felton Paschal.

By doing this, Harold was blessed with several brothers and sisters and had a very happy, blessed childhood.

The Paschal family were a God fearing family and taught Harold early on about the need to attend church and worship God. As a matter of fact his older brother Fred Paschal was a pastor.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Yvonne Paschal, and ex-wife, Ann Paschal. A loving sister Annie, deceased brothers Frederick D. Paschal, Sr., Garagiola (Roger) Paschal. Still living Dudley (Doug) Paschal, Dayton, O Eunice Yates, Columbus, OH.

Immediate family, youngest son, Keith J. Paschal deceased (2019), Kevin Paschal, Kyle A. Phew, Felicia B. Galloway, Rhasan L. Paschal

Grandchildren: La Shaye Monroe, Elias Phew, Bryce Phew, Michelle Paschal, Marissa Paschal

Great grandchildren: Kennedy Monroe, Parker Monroe, Harper Monroe, Bryson Phew

Brayden Phew and a host of other family and friends.

Harold and Pat met in an apartment building lobby on Memorial Day in Freeport, LI, NY. This began 47 years of the common ups and downs of married life. Although members of Pat’s family often have said, “Harold only goes to church to please Pat”. Little do they know the true story.

Pat and Harold moved around the country “a lot” sometimes near family, but mostly far away from family. No matter where they would wind up, “Harold” was the one who would wake up on a Sunday morning and say” I’m gonna find a church. Pat would roll her eyes in disbelief and say “Okay”. She being the dutiful wife would sheepishly follow along, while most of the time she would wish she had stayed home in bed.

Needless to say they met many “different types of Christians, good and bad, but Harold being who he was, a good God fearing man, who needed all kinds of people in his life, would always be “available” an could sometimes be very silly.

Pat tells the story of coming to Surprise, AZ in 2005 and him “finding a church” right in the neighborhood. Harold was greeted with open arms, as well as was Pat and they both met several nice people, however, it never really lasted as it just wasn’t the right fit.

Many people “Knew” Harold, but not everyone “Loved” or even “Liked” Harold. He could be quite annoying especially after a few cocktails, says Pat.

Finally finding Kingdom, Pat and Harold settled into a routine church life with many friends and associates. Harold met Pastor Steele at a local barbershop and always felt blessed to be able to talk to him there.

Pat shares after losing him to dementia, that she now realizes why Harold was who he was

Harold joined the Army at an early age along with his very good high school buddy. He said they were always joined at the hip. While in Vietnam they were both standing in a doorway when his friend was shot in the head right in front of him.

Harold only ever once shared this story with Pat early one morning around sunup. She has come to realize that that one “horrible” event shaped the rest of Harold’s life. He needed to try to be a Good Man. Although labeled by the military as having PTSD, he still was always able to find and enjoy driving anything with wheels, from 18 wheelers cross country to school buses, and city buses. He even taught driving in California for approximately 2 years, He had the patience of JOB and all his students loved him and usually passed the driving test.

Pat knows from a song title playing on her radio when she was racing to be with him at the end, that Harold heard, “Welcome Home” my good and faithful servant. You ran a good race and kept the faith.