Harold Moss

Harold Pendleton Moss
May 31, 1916 - August 23, 2016
Harold Pendleton Moss, age 100, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2016.
He was born on Wednesday,, May 31, 1916, near Hannibal, Missouri, in an area known as Ely. Harold's father, Verde Claiborne Moss, and Harold's mother, Martha Morris Redman Moss, had six children. Harold was the fourth of six boys.
Harold married an artist, Ruth Genevieve Gilliland, on November 2, 1940, at the Central Christian Church in Denver. Together, they were proud of their four children, five grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Harold joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on March 16, 1942. He was the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Western Colorado Region in Grand Junction until his retirement in 1966.
In 2012, the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI awarded the FBI's highest public service award to recognize individuals who assist the FBI without thought of personal gain. Harold received the FBI's Highest Civilian Honor, the Lifetime Achievement Louis E. Peters Memorial Service Award.
Harold's official retirement date from the FBI was on Friday, November 5, 1966.
He was prohibited from running in a local election for County Judge while still employed as a Federal employee; and thus in order to enter the upcoming Tuesday, November 9th Election, he ran as a "write-in" candidate, and was elected decisively!
He served as Mesa County Judge from 1966 to 1983, and then as Senior Judge for the State of Colorado until 1995.
Harold participated in numerous organizations and charities: a partial list includes the Boy Scouts of America who honored him with their highest council award, the Silver Beaver; the Lions Club; the Knife & Fork Club; the Art Center/Western Colorado Center for the Arts; and the First Christian Church in Grand Junction. He was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge and active in Shriners. Harold was conferred the honorary 33rd Degree Mason Degree by the Scottish Rite.
He traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally, and enjoyed playing Bridge.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Ruth Gilliland Moss; daughter, Gayle; son, Lyle, and his grandson, David.
He is survived by two of his sons, Bardwell and Arthur; five grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life to Honor Harold is scheduled for Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Christian Church, 1326 North First St., Grand Junction, Colorado.
A reception will immediately follow at Noon at the Church.
The Graveside Service is planned for 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens, 2970 North Ave., Grand Junction, Colorado.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family through the Callahan-Edfast Mortuary website at http://www.callahan-edfast.com/
In lieu of flowers, Harold requested that for those who wish to do so are invited to consider making a contribution to any of his three designated choices: First Christian Church, 1326 North First St., Grand Junction, CO 81501, or Western Colorado Center for the Arts, 1803 N. 7th St., Grand Junction, CO 81501, or Boy Scouts, Western Colorado Council, 639 Grand Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501.
The Moss Family would like to extend their thanks for the fantastic support Harold received from the staff and residents of Lincoln Meadows Senior Living in Parker, Colorado, his residence prior to his passing, and to his many friends through the years in Grand Junction.