Harold O. Kersey

Harold O. "Papa" Kersey, 87, of Hastings went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012 at the Flagler Hospital, St. Augustine following an extended illness.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Hastings. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and received numerous medals and citations, including the Bronze Service Star and the Purple Heart.

He started his career at the former Hudson Pulp and Paper Corp., in Palatka and later retired in 1987 from the new owners, Georgia Pacific Corp., working as a tow motor driver, after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church in Bardin. Before declining health Harold enjoyed playing his guitar, gardening, fishing, hunting, bluegrass music, watching old western movies and especially reading his Bible and talking to people about the Lord.

Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Lillie Kersey, and one sister, Irene Mae Hughey.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Margie M. Kersey; two daughters and sons-in-law, Vickie and James Masters, and Debbie and Jim Haberle; one son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Becky Kersey; one brother and sister-in-law, Clyde and Hilda Kersey, all of Hastings; three sisters, Rosa Stevens of St. Augustine, and Dorothy Mesuita and Loretta Kersey, both of Hastings; five grandchildren, Melissa Peters and her husband, Wes, Matthew Masters, both of Hastings, Joel Haberle and his wife, Charleen of St. Augustine, Christina Haberle, and Adam Glenn Kersey and his companion, Stephanie, all of Hastings.

Calling hours will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 (today) at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 at the funeral home with Pastor Glenn Martin and Pastor Glenn Tillis, officiating.

In honor and celebration of Harold"s life a Video Tribute will be shown. Burial will follow in the Pellicer Creek Cemetery in Hastings with military honors bestowed by the United States Army.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Bethany Baptist Church, 345 Bardin Road, Palatka, FL 32177. Messages of sympathy may be sent to www.themastersfuneralhomes.com.

Masters Funeral Home, 3015 Crill Avenue in Palatka is in charge of arrangements.