Harold Irwin Blood

Harold Irwin Blood, age 91, peacefully passed November 27, 2024, in Edmond, OK. Born November 9, 1933, in Clinton, OK to Charles Irwin Blood and Vivian Traylor Blood, he spent his early years in Clinton and later moved with his family to Canton, OK. He attended school in Canton and played football in high school, graduating in 1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to a naval destroyer close to the Philippines during the Korean War. He received several medals and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer before his honorable discharge in 1955. After he returned home, Harold attended Southwestern State College in Weatherford, OK while working full time. He continued to serve our country as a member of the Oklahoma National Guard in Norman, OK.

In 1956 Harold married his sweetheart, Sally Ann Smith and they moved to Stillwater where he attended Oklahoma State University for aeronautical maintenance studies. After receiving his degree, Harold moved his growing family to Oklahoma City to begin his career in aviation with Air Craftsman. He soon advanced to working with Central Airlines and then Frontier Airlines in Denver. He moved to Detroit to work with Northwest Airlines and then to Memphis for his work with FedEx from which he retired in 2005. Harold received several awards and accommodations and was transferred to many interesting locations including Joplin, MO, Ft. Worth, TX and Manchester, England during his decades of service in the airline industry.

Harold and Sally took pleasure in raising their family and enjoyed their extended family. They were active grandparents, attending many of their grandchildren’s activities. Over the years Harold developed a deep interest in genealogy, compiling detailed histories of both his and his wife’s families, researching through family stories and county data then broadening his scope through ancestry searches and personal contacts. Harold leaves a legacy of extensive research into the Blood Family Clan.

Harold had varied interests: summers with family, including extended family and friends boating, fishing and water skiing. He cheered for his favorite football teams, OU Sooners, OSU Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys and occasionally coached his son’s little league football and baseball teams. He was an enthusiastic reader and learner; he developed a fascination with American history and American political history. Harold also returned to college and obtained his associate’s degree in HVAC at Tarrant County College while living in Ft. Worth. Always a helpful neighbor, he eagerly contributed to his local community, serving on the HOA Board and other committees.

Harold is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sally Ann (Smith) Blood in 2013, his parents, one sister, Thelma and two brothers, Robert Blood, and Randall Blood. He is survived by his children Dee Ann (Blood) Campbell and Guy Robert Blood (Diana), his cherished grandchildren: Alexis, Meredith, Ryan, Brianna, Steven, and Nicholas. He also leaves behind eleven great grandchildren and two brothers, Ernest Blood, and Glen Blood (Linda) all of whom he deeply loved.

Harold’s legacy of service, love for his family and passion for life will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A service honoring Harold will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 1pm, Smith & Kernke Chapel, 14624 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK. The family requests donations to Mercury One disaster relief via MercuryOne.org in lieu of flowers.