Harold J Beal

Harold Beal, age 96, of Mansfield, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Lexington Court Care Center following a short illness. "His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
He was born May 9, 1929, in Chatfield, Ohio, to the late Frederick and Suzanna (Hoss) Beal and graduated from Chatfield High School in 1947. As a boy he grew up attending the Evangelical Pietist Church, where his grandfather was the minister and preached in German. Harold went on to attend Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1961 in Sociology.
Harold dedicated his career to helping others, beginning as a juvenile probation officer during the 1960s. He later worked as a Social Worker/Case Manager for the Ohio State Reformatory, where his compassion and sense of justice guided his work with countless individuals.
While at Taylor University, Harold met the love of his life, June Gove, who was from Temperance, Michigan, one Sunday afternoon after church. Following graduation,the two were married on September 9, 1961, and built a wonderful life together in Mansfield, raising three children.
A man of deep faith, Harold was a former member of Mansfield Alliance Church, where he served as a trustee and helped the Boys Brigade. More recently, he worshipped at New Liberty Baptist Church. He lived his faith daily through service, volunteering for many local ministries and charities - including Richland Pregnancy Services, where he built cribs, and the carpenter shop at the hospital, where he put his craftsmanship to good use. Harold also volunteered at Beulah Beach Church Camp, doing repair work at the campground, building safe walkways to the recreation area across the road, and taking on any project that needed his skilled hands. His talents even extended to aviation -doing odd jobs for Missionary Maintenance Services Aviation in Coshocton, Ohio, to support faith-based work around the world.
Each week, Harold delighted his fellow aviation volunteers by bringing in his famous blueberry cobbler from his own blueberry bushes as a treat to share with his volunteer friends, which quickly became a highlight of their lunch time together. Harold's heart for service reached far beyond his own community. He went on several mission trips, sharing the love of Jesus in places such as Mexico, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and regions affected by devastating floods, where he helped repair homes and restore hope.
He grew up on a farm, raising cattle, pigs, chickens, and sheep. He belonged to the FFA while in high school and enjoyed farming in his pre-college years. Harold loved gardening and was known for his creativity and intelligence in carpentry and design. A self-made engineer, he could fix or build nearly anything - from creating his own snowblower out of spare parts to adding on to the family home himself.
Despite his many abilities, Harold was a quiet and mild-mannered man who began his days with personal devotions. He found joy in simple things: old hymns, family, and fellowship. Two of his favorite songs were "In the Garden" and "What a Day That Will Be."
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, June Beal, their children Greg Beal, Karen Plechaty, and Lynnette Garber; grandchildren Bethany (Jeremiah) Stone, Rebecca (Dustyn) Pratt, Jessica (Russel) Moskel, Michael (Audrey) Plechaty, and Melody Garber; two great grandchildren Ellowyn Pratt and River Moskel, along with many extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his twin brother Richard Beal, and sisters Bernice Beal, Edith Blackford, and Esther Zulauf; and son-in-law Mike Plechaty.
Friends may call Monday, October 20, 2025 from 1 pm to 2 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where a memorial service giving glory to God for the Life of Harold Beal will follow at 2 pm. Pastor Chad Berry will officiate.
Memorial donations may be made to MMS Aviation.
Please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com to leave a message of support to the family.