Harold Edward Barks

Harold Edward Barks, of Wentzville, MO, passed away peacefully on January 27th, at the age of 90. Harold was born on June 19,1930 in Millheim, MO to Edward William Barks and Clara Rose (Schumer) Barks.

He is survived by his loving and patient wife of 70 years, Dolores Marie Barks (nee Judd); one brother Gary (Jan) Barks of St. Louis, MO; four sons, Mike (Diana) Barks of Torremolinos, Malaga, Spain, Dave Barks of St. Charles, MO, Jim (Linda) Barks of Mary Esther, Florida, Dan (Shannon) Barks of Overland Park, KS, and one daughter, Terri (Tony) Page of O’Fallon, MO.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Zita Kincaid, and his parents, Edward and Clara Barks.

Harold leaves behind 15 amazing grandchildren: Michael (Patra) Barks, Matthew Newbold, Audrey (Gary) Nelson, Joe (Andi) Barks, Emily (Aaron) Gabbard, Nick Barks, Tyler Barks, Jake Barks, Jonathan (Kristina) Newbold, Anna (Trevor) Brown, Erika (Joey) Denton, Ryan (Kara) Barks, Steven (Heidi) Page, Allison Barks, and Abby Page. Harold is also survived by 13 of the the most adorable great grandchildren: Elise, Tyler, Liam, Kinsey, Jack, Ellie, Riley, Scarlett, Olive, Hazel, Bradley, Grace, Bruce-Wayne, and Emma.

Harold was a much loved uncle and friend to many.

Harold proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in the 131st Fighter Bomber wing from 1948 through 1952. Harold was an entrepreneur and businessman all his life. His first foray into the retail world occurred when he was just 13 years old. Harold drew a mustache on his upper lip in order to pass as a 16-year old boy, thereby securing a position at Gasen’s Drug Store. His next job was at Larry’s Mens’ Shop on South Broadway in St. Louis, Missouri. From there, Harold purchased the business and moved the store to Florissant Meadows Shopping Center. He subsequently opened a number of other men’s stores, as well as a women’s clothing store, a fabric shop, a variety store, and multiple outlet stores. For a short period of time, Harold owned a Chrysler dealership in Wichita, Kansas. The latter part of his career found Harold acting as general manager for a tuxedo company in Evansville, Indiana and in St. Louis, Missouri.

Harold participated for 37 years in weekend retreats with his brother-in-law, Lee “Doc” Judd at the Jesuit (White House) Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO. While belonging to the parishes of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, and later at Immaculate Conception-Dardenne Catholic Church, Harold served as a eucharistic minister both within the parish and at Breeze Park Senior Living in St. Charles, MO.

Harold had a true zeal for life and when he passed, he left nothing on the table. We will all remember him as the life of the party and a dispenser of wit and wisdom. He enjoyed hanging out with family and friends, going on road trips, pancake socials, telling stories, mumsering around the shops, nickel shooters, pranking telemarketers, and attending parties of any kind. Harold spent many hours of his later years sitting on his back porch thinking about what a great life he had and all of the many blessings he was given. He always had a sparkle in his eye, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations are much appreciated and can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital in care of Pitman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 248, Wentzville MO 63385.

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