Harold Elvin Zeigler was born April 25, 1923, in Ankeny, Iowa to Marvin and Claire Zeigler. He had two brothers Merle and Paul; and three sisters Charlotte, Gayle and Bettye. The Zeiglers moved to Florida in 1927. Harold grew up in Florida and graduated from the Venice Nokomis High School in 1942. He joined the United States Army and served in the Air Corp during World War II from 1944 to 1946. Harold then met and married Jean Crawford. They had two sons Richard and Wayne. Harold had a small engine repair business but in 1964 he closed it to help operate the family’s motel in Sarasota after the death of his father-in-law. The motel was sold in 1968 and Harold reopened his business. In 1985 he retired and cared for his wife Jean until her death. The Zeigler and Barth families had been close friends for years having known each other through church. Ruby’s husband had passed away and the Lord brought Harold and Ruby together. They shared over 19 years of marriage.
Harold was very handy and always used his skills and talents to help others when needed. He would give a helping hand to neighbors and friends. We are sure he has either teamed up with some of you here today on a project or maybe you were on the receiving end of his help.
Having committed his life to the Lord at an early age, Harold faithfully attended church. Over the years he served as a teacher to young men in Sunday School, joined in choirs and was always part of the men’s fellowship group. If the doors were open, pretty much he would be there.
We know there were many things Harold built for his church here at Evangel Baptist. He and Mom were a part of the Greeting team. We understand also that Harold would walk the property and try to keep down the fire ant population. Quite a job for a guy in his 80’s. We’re afraid the ants won the battle because he had to finally give up that cause.
It wasn’t all work for Harold. His favorite leisure activity was playing golf. His goal was to shoot his age or less. Mom could tell when he came home if he accomplished it or not. Some of you were a part of the usual foursome but he wouldn’t hesitate to be teamed up with others not to miss a chance to play. He would use those times as opportunities to share his faith in Christ.
Harold was devoted to his family. That was evident when he left his career to assist his in-laws at the motel. Harold and Jean then cared for Jean’s mother Mrs. Crawford till her death. Then he took very good care of Jean through her illness. We were confident that God had brought a caring Christian man to our mother when they married. We were happy that they enjoyed over 19 years together.
In the beginning they traveled quite a bit. Always by car and they made a point to route their trips to visit family and friends. We could count on them traveling in October to enjoy the fall leaves. We were also sure they would get home before the weather got too cold because Harold didn’t like cold. That’s what being raised in Florida will do to you.
Harold was blessed with good health for 89 years and he was looking forward to turning 90. The only problem he ever battled was occasional vertigo. Over the most recent years he had been the care giver to Mom due to her health issues. We were grateful that he was there to see to her needs. However, now we know Harold’s assistance went over and above. If he had a fault we’d have to say it was treating our Mom like royalty. He took such pleasure in doing for her he almost caused her not to be able to do for herself. Well that came to an end the morning after Christmas. Harold suffered a stroke that left him impaired on his left side. God saw him through ICU and a hospital stay to be released to a rehab facility. We know many of you were praying for him through that time. Harold’s testimony for his Lord was strong even in those days. Someone asked if he was a preacher. He replied no but he could share good news with them. In one of his sessions the therapist told us she asked him to tell her his favorite Bible verse. She said he started saying verse after verse and that he was looking forward to meeting his Jesus.
On January 10th Harold was rushed back to the hospital with pneumonia. Again we couldn’t see how he could survive but he recovered and was moved to a skilled nursing facility near their home on January 22. God was with him even then. He was looking forward to what he called “The Big Day”. On January 31st our sister Sherry married John in the courtyard of the nursing home. That was Harold’s last good day. After that he got sick again, talked very little and slept mostly. Harold went peacefully and met Jesus last Sunday morning. His mind and body are whole now. We will miss him but we know in Christ we can be with him again one day.
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