Harold Boggs Sr.

Harold Boggs of Galloway Ohio passed away peacefully November 14, 2023 at his brother-in-laws home in Columbus, Ohio. Harold was born at home in Gray Kentucky, April 30, 1930, the only child of Doris Jones (Boggs) Hart, and Dewey R. Boggs. Born at the start of the Great Depression, in rural Kentucky. At the age of 2, Harold lost his father. Times became tough, as the farm was sold for taxes and Doris lived from family member to family member. Harold's grandmother, Sara Epperson Jones, took Harold in and raised him until about age 11. Harold's mother Doris later remarried a wonderful man Claude Hart of Rossland, Kentucky, and they relocated to Columbus Ohio. Harold moved to Columbus Ohio at age 11 and attended the Linden-McKinley School and was an active member of the North Linden Church. At the Linden-McKinley School, Harold met his love and his future wife of 72 years, Mary Rose Pritchard. Mary could whistle! Using her whistling abilities the tall slim Irish Catholic girl caught Harold's attention. Dating for several years and while on leave from the army they eloped and wed on July 31, 1951 in Richmond Indiana. They stayed at each other's side until Mary's death. Their love was perfected over the years. It's not what you do during the good times, but how you handle the hard times. His heart was broken when Mary passed away. Harold raised his right hand in March of 1951, as a draftee in the Koeren conflict. Harold served his country with honor and distinction. He trained with the Screaming Eagle 101 Airborne Division at Camp Breckenridge, then was assigned to the Second Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Regiment, Fox Company, WA. Fresh off the ship from Japan he would witness the horrors of war as a combat infantryman. Upon arriving in Korea in September 1951, he was thrust into the battle of Heartbreak Ridge. Harold was released from active duty at the rank of Sergeant First Class, December 1952. The brotherhood of the 101, the 2nd Infantry Division and the 9 Infantry Regiment remain in his heart until his death.

Harold was a skilled outdoorsman, loved fishing, hunting, a good dog, and a top notch gardener. Harold's work career started as a paperboy in North Linden area, caddy at Winding Hollow Golf Club, Milk man picking up raw milk in the old milk cans from local dairies, working for Penn Central Railroad (brakeman) which he loved, car salesman for Art Everman and retired from White Westinghouse in 1988 after a 30 year career. Harold was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Harold and Mary traveled across the country, spending many days with their grandchildren in Idaho. Harold was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), Life member of the Jamestown Society, and a Life member of Hillard Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post No.4931, and participated in the 2018 honor flight program for veterans.

Harold is survived by his children: Debra S. Britton (Don) of Fredericktown Ohio, Harold Boggs Jr. Hagerman, Idaho; Grandchildren, Kandace D. (Justin) Stewart of Buhl, Idaho; Captain Mickenzie S. (Molly) Boggs of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Sister; Judy (Bill) Podolski, Columbus, Ohio; Brother Gary (Maureen) Hart of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years Mary Rose (Pritchard) Boggs 10/26/23, Parents: mother Doris Jones (Boggs) Hart, father Dewey R. Boggs, stepfather Claude Hart; brother Jimmy Hart and sister Coralee Hart Kenny Hugo.

My sister and I would like to thank our aunt and uncle Marianne and Geroge Pritchard for opening their hearts and home to my parents. Without their help, life would have been very different for our parents. We too, extend our gratitude to the community for always looking after them when they stop in restaurants. Finally, a thank you to the Columbus West Church of God for their spiritual support and christian hearts.

Funeral Services: a public showing will be held at the Newcomer Cremation and Funeral Home in Grove City Ohio on Tuesday December 12 from 4-7 pm. Funeral Services will begin at 1 pm on Wednesday December 13, 2023 at the Newcomer Funeral Home in Grove City, with burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 2:30pm.

Harold's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.