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Harold Harrington Obituary
1934-2016
Harold Gene "Hap" Harrington, 81, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, after a long illness. He was born on September 29, 1934, in Weldon, Texas, to Gladys and Newman Harrington. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 42 years, Shirley Klein Harrington. He is preceded in death by his parents and eldest son, Douglas Eugene Harrington. Hap is survived by his daughter, Nina Beth Morris and son-in-law Charles Morris; his son, Kenneth Wayne Harrington; sister, Carol Ann Harrington; step-daughters, Sherron Watkins and Julie Reagan; his grandchildren, Jamye Elise Carr, Michelle Beth Morris, Lincoln Charles Morris, Cody Gene Harrington, Jake Ryan Harrington, Max Logan Harrington, April Marie Harrington and Crystal Michelle Harrington; and great-grandchildren, Christian Kai Santiago, Lena Elise and Eli Carr, Logan Harrington and Willow Harrington.
Hap was raised in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1953. Hap attended Sam Houston State University obtaining a Masters degree in Education. While at Sam Houston he had a distinguished football career as a member of the only team to this day to go undefeated for an entire season and winning State and National Championships 1955-1957. Lifetime friendships were forged during this time which he truly enjoyed throughout his life. He began his career in teaching and coaching advancing on into administration as assistant principal and principal at McAllen High School. From 1969-1979 he was the principal at Klein High School. Hap started a new career in 1980 serving Tomball ISD as Superintendent. In 1992, he became Mayor of the growing City of Tomball. Hap proudly served 5 three year terms as the Mayor. He represented Tomball on the Board of the Southeast Texas Housing Authority. He loved serving the community. In 1990, he was honored as Tomball's Citizen of the Year.
Hap had many hobbies. He enjoyed sports, gardening, painting and working with his hands. He especially loved woodworking, making beautiful bowls, pens, candle sticks, clocks and boxes. These are true treasures of many family and friends.
Harold Gene Harrington was a faithful dedicated servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a longtime member of Salem Lutheran Church.
A visitation will be held for family and friends on Saturday, May 21, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m., at Klein Funeral Home, Tomball.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas, with interment to follow at Klein Memorial Park, Pinehurst.
Memorial donations in Hap's name can be made to Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries (T.E.A.M.).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Harrington
Sponsored by Klein Funeral Home - Tomball.
Deborah McCallister - Wyatt
January 15, 2017
RIP Mr. Harrington
Joyce McDaniel
June 24, 2016
Sleeping with the Angels in the arms of his Lord, may he Rest in Peace.
Joy (Adams) Huntington
June 2, 2016
Sorry to be sending this so belatedly but just found out. Hap hired me at Klein High School in the fall of 1973 to teach Sr. English, and I was so excited to be at such a wonderful school and to be working with such a wonderful Principal. I followed Hap's career over the years and know that he was just as dedicated to his current "cause" as he was dedicated to the teachers, staff and students at KHS. He was always fun, fair and interested in making KHS the very best it could be. He will be sorely missed. I send my personal sympathies to Shirley, Nina and Kenny.
My regards to you all,
Joy (Adams) Huntington
Paula Bard
May 27, 2016
Mr. Harrington was such a nice man. I knew him as McHi's assistant principal, a fair and decent person. Paula Rummelhart Bard, Class of '66
Bruce Martin
May 25, 2016
Thank you for everything you did for all your students. You treated everyone like your own.
Ron Wilkison
May 25, 2016
RIP Mr Harrington. May God welcome You into the rest You deserve. You were a blessing to myself and my family. Ron Wilkison Class of 1978
Nina Beth Morris
May 23, 2016
My words can hardly express how touched I am to read the kind words from so many people who loved my father. It's amazing how he touch lives even into his last days. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. God Bless each of you.
May 23, 2016
Condolences to the family of Principal Harold 'Hap' Harrington.
Carolyn Sanford Hausey
KHS Class of '77
SHSU Spr '81
Mary Ann Heard
May 23, 2016
Shirley, just heard about Hap and we are so sorry, He fought the good fight and I'm thankful he's at rest now., He was such a wonderful man and we are glad we got to meet him. Shirley, you made a fabulous caretaker and wife for Hap. Love you, Mary Ann and James
Vicki Sanford Foster/Class of '75
May 23, 2016
Mrs. Harrington, Nina and family,
Our prayers and sincere condolences are offered to you and your entire family. Truly Mr. Harrington was a good leader and principal during my high school years. I am proud to be a Klein High "Bearkat". I was also happy to read about his accomplishments and achievements after his tenure at Klein High School. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Debbie (Dick) Alden
May 23, 2016
My condolences to a really good man who served his students well as principal of one of the largest senior classes in the country in 1980. I am a proud member of KHS and the Class of 1980. As large as we were - we were also very close. We are all saddened to hear of his passing. It was nice to read about his life - a life well served. My condolences to his wife and family.
Ann Koziol
May 23, 2016
A great man. I have many personal memories of the kindness of this man. He has a special place in my heart even 30 plus years later. I also was a 1980 graduate. RIP Sir, I am certain you have a special place in every heart of every person who have met you. The world was a better place with you in it.
Allan White
May 22, 2016
Thanks for being a wonderful principal to all the students at Klein and McAllen. RIP Mr. Harrington
Gary Ly
May 22, 2016
I was also one of the thousand plus KHS Class of 1980 students. I always saw Mr. Harrington with a smile and sometimes a laugh. Very, very personable. I've always heard only good things of him. My condolences go out to his family and I expect that he lived a full and joyful life.
Kathy Wardrup
May 22, 2016
Mrs. Harrington,
I had the privilege to be amoung the Class of 1980. Always loved Mr. Harrington's smile and the way he really loved our class. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. He was a wonderful man and principal he will truly be missed.
Ole Doc Jack Larner
May 22, 2016
Just a follow-up note to thank all the fine, wonderful Klein High School former students who so kindly extend warm thought in memory of Hap Harrington. As we say in the much-missed and very beloved "Great State": "Ya'll done goo-ooo-ood!" All the best, always! Ole Doc Jack Larner
Theo W Coonrod
May 21, 2016
Shirley, my brother-in-law, Ken Pearce (Gay Lee's husband) saw Hap's obituary in the Houston paper and sent me this link. I am so sorry you have lost your wonderful Hap. Please know I am thinking of you and lifting you up in prayers. I will never forget that you came to Mom's memorial service--ever the best of friends. Love, Theo Wilkes Coonrod
Janice Taylor Lapaglia
May 21, 2016
Mrs. Harrington, As a 1980 graduate of Klein High School, I have many fond memories of you and Mr. Harrington. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Julie Jarvis
May 21, 2016
Mrs. Shirley, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. You are all in my prayers.
Love Haps favorite nurse,
Julie
Dr. John (Jack) LARNER
May 21, 2016
Heartfelt condolences to all who are impacted by Hap's passing. Eons ago this ole critter returned to Pennsylvania; but, sure wishes he could be by your sides right now. All the best, always! Dr. John (Jack) Larner, former Social Studies Chair, Klein High School
May 21, 2016
Shirley,
So sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you. We now live in New Mexico. We often talk about the good ole days!
Love, Nannette and Gene Tanner
Nelda Swedlund
May 21, 2016
I personally remember Hap as my cousin, the big brother to Carol Ann. He was always a joy to be around. I am saddened by his passing. My love and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Barbara Stegall
May 20, 2016
Shirley,
I was saddened to read this in the paper today and wanted to send along my condolences to you and your family. I remember you and Hap from our days in Tomball when my husband Joe was ACM/Finance for the City and Hap was Mayor. Tonight I smile as I imagine he and Hap sharing some laughs over old times, as Joe passed away before Christmas, Dec. 2014. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Joey Davis
May 20, 2016
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to your family. I was quite fortunate to spend quite a bit of time with Hap, during his KHS years, as my dad was the football coach and I was "around" quite a bit. He literally taught me much of what I know about what being a caring human is.Thanks for sharing your Hap with us at Klein. He was a true gentleman and a friend. He will certainly be missed.
Carolyn Atwood
May 20, 2016
A wonderful man. Tomball will miss all his kindness. I will also. The family is in my prayers.
Marvin Baker
May 20, 2016
We were faculty members together at McAllen High School
May 20, 2016
I haven't heard of hap in years. in reading of his accomplishments I am proud to have called him a friend of mine in our college days
rex hughey SHSU 1956
May 20, 2016
Thank you for your contributions Mr. Harrington! You touched so many lives and we are all so grateful! Job well done!
Tammy Smith - Klein grad 1977.
Mike Alleyn
May 20, 2016
Mr. Harrington was my principal at McAllen High and although I did not have too many dealings with him, I never remember seeing him without a smile. He always greeted you like he was happy to see you, and you felt like he meant it.
joe thomas
May 20, 2016
Always had smile on his face even when he was so sick,he will be missed.
Ed Slook
May 20, 2016
Kind man, and leader. Condolences from our family to yours.
Michael Graham
May 19, 2016
My condolences to all the family.
Carrie Caldwell Rentfro
May 19, 2016
Mr. Harrington was truly one of a kind! He had a smile and a positive word for each one of us in school. I graduated from Klein in '74 but stayed in the area and was fortunate enough to see him often over the years and he always remembered me, no matter how long it had been since I last saw him. I was also lucky to be friends with Doug, Nina and Kenny. My prayers are with the entire family.
Barbara Stroble and family
May 19, 2016
We are so sorry for your lose. Hap was an incredible educator and city leader, but, more than that, he was a truly kind, loving husband, father, grandfather,and great-grandfather. It was an honor to know him. Our prayers are with you.
Tommi Bell Maynard
May 19, 2016
In loving memory , to a wonderful man .
Jack Kyle
May 19, 2016
Happy Jack, the name his friends knew him by and most appropriate. One of a kind and was both a gentle man and a gentleman.
Jana Hryhorchuk-Bittick
May 19, 2016
Mr Harrington had a huge and very positive impact on all of our (Klein Sudents) lives. I've remembered him with fondness and great respect all of these years later. I'm 54 and wouldn't dare consider it ok to think of him as anything other than "Mr Harrington "
Troy Sharpe
May 19, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mr. Harrington passing away. He was a fantastic principal at Klein High while I was there and always had an ear open to listen to the students needs no matter what they were.
Julie Mecham
May 19, 2016
Mr. Harrington was a great man who will be missed. As one of his many students, he left an imprint on my life. He was a great principal, who always had a moment to laugh with the kids in the halls of KHS! I will never forget him.
Julie Mecham
May 19, 2016
Mr. Harrington was a great man who will be missed. As one of his many students, he left an imprint on my life. He was a great principal, who always had a moment to laugh with the kids in the halls of KHS! I will never forget him.
Dave Ballew
May 19, 2016
Shirley, we first met in typing class in Middle School, and then I met your husband Hap when moving to KHS. Two wonderful influences in so many lives! My deepest sympathies to you and your family in your lose. Please remember the wonderful things your husband did for so many over the years, that's how we remember him.
Adrienne Solt , Respiratory Therapist
May 19, 2016
Ms. Shirley,
We are so sorry for your loss.
He was a kind man with a great sense of humor and I so enjoyed taking care of him.
May you find great comfort in our Lord and know that our prayers are with you and your family. God bless
Julie Phillips
May 19, 2016
Mr. Harrington was a wonderful principal at Klein High School. He always demonstrated school spirit and his love for students and education! Praying the God will comfort his family as only He can!
Julie (Prichard)Phillips
class of 1980
Dianne Lange-Jones
May 19, 2016
Mr. Harrington was an amazing principal at Klein High. He was all about "School Spirit". Dress up days and pep rallies were always so much fun. I graduated in 1978. My prayers are with his loving family.
Julie Stafford
May 19, 2016
Shirley, you and Hap have been a part of my life for a very long time. First starting as my principal and teacher and then as my boys superintendent and finally as my boss at the city. It is because of Hap that I was able to retire from the city. We always enjoyed the picnics and even the little trip to your home for the girls at the city. We loved you both. Julie Holzworth Stafford Class of 72.
Ann Holiday
May 19, 2016
Mrs. Shirley you and Mr. Hap was part of life growth for me during the years i worked at Klein`s Grocery Store. I will always remember his friendly, gentle, smiling face. I pray that strength continues to be with you and family. God Bless
Nancy Knouse
May 19, 2016
Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
Debbie Owens
May 19, 2016
So sorry for your lost, I worked with Hap for several years at The City of Tomball. He was such a joy to work with and had a heart of gold. He will be truly missed. My prayers are with you Ms. Shirley and your family. God Bless.
Ruth Christmann Lowrey
May 19, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Harrington fondly from my 4 years at KHS (Class of 80). He was a great Principal. God's strength and peace to the family at this time.
Lorraine Curtis Pecenka
May 18, 2016
Please know that Mr Harrington touched a lot of our lives while attending KHS. Always hold his memories in your heart. God bless you Hap! Lorraine Curtis Pecenka, Class of 79
Debra (Kinkaid) Clepper
May 18, 2016
I can only fondly remember Mr. Harrington during my years at Klein High School (all 4 years; class of 1977). May he forever rest in peace in God's loving arms and be remembered by all for his many accomplishments and warm spirit. May his family be forever proud.
Carrie Jones
May 18, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you all at this time, and towards the future for healing and peace.
May 18, 2016
Mr. Harrington was a great Principal. Condolences to the family. Kenny and I were in band together. Debra Zarnow Class of '78.
Kristen Vasquez
May 18, 2016
Hap was a beloved Principal and loved by all. We are so sorry for your loss. He lived a wonderful life
Joanne Gusey, class of '73
May 18, 2016
Mr. Hap made moving to the Klein community so much easier for me in '71. He was a friend to all of us at Klein High. Thank you for sharing yourself with so many. God bless you.
May 18, 2016
Mr. Hap was a wonderful man! Mrs. Shirley, we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers! Sandy Prosise Roberson, Paige, Texas
May 18, 2016
What a terrific man. Mr. Harrington made the 70's a great time to be at Klein. Deborah Brewer Class of '73. Praying for your family.
Veronica "Vicki" Heck-King
May 18, 2016
Mr. Harrington was an awesome principal for Klein High School. I'm so glad he waited until I graduated before he left. Mrs. Harrington, your husband was loved by many young teenagers. He leaves behind a great legacy. Klein Bearcats 1980.
Yvonne Theiss
May 18, 2016
Mr. Harrington was so well liked by all his students..I am honored to be one of them. Yvonne Theiss class of '74.. Go BearKats!! You will be truly missed..
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May
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22
Funeral service
3:00 p.m.
Salem Lutheran Church
Tomball, TX
May
22
Interment
Klein Memorial Park
Pinehurst, TX
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