Harold Beatie Sherman

Harold Beatie Sherman, 84, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 15, 1941, in Boonville, Missouri to Lucian Harold and Freda (Beatie) Sherman.

Harold was a Boy Scout who attended Philmont Scout Ranch and the National Jamboree in Washington, D.C., ultimately achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Boonville High School in 1959 and went on to obtain a degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1963.

He met the love of his life, Darlene Toellner, in the magazine section of the local grocery store where they both worked during the summer of 1966. They were married on June 3, 1967. Harold entered Officer Candidate School with the United States Army in September 1966. He completed his service at Fort Hood, Texas, as a First Lieutenant in 1969.

Harold and Darlene moved to Kansas City for his job with the Federal Reserve Bank. Eventually, Harold accepted a position with the UMKC School of Dentistry, where he taught practice management and served as head of purchasing. He was employed there for 33 years and was recognized as Teacher of the Year five times.

Harold and Darlene were married for 58 years and were blessed with three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.

Harold was a lifelong learner, passionate reader, and collector of pens and car brochures. The warmth of his smile lit up every room. He began every conversation with an open mind and valued the opinions and ideas of others, never once meeting a stranger. He could often be found at local libraries, bookstores, car dealerships, or listening to NPR.

Harold had a wide-ranging taste in music, enjoying groups like the Mamas and the Papas, Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Buckwheat Zydeco. He was a wonderful and proud dad, instilling into his girls a love of reading and a passion for learning. He loved their dance recitals, sporting events, and Girl Scout campouts.

Harold was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for many years and later King of Kings Lutheran Church, where he enjoyed singing in their choirs.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Darlene, their daughters Ashley Sherman, Suzanne Dispensa (Stephen), and Elizabeth Henak (Cody), and his grandchildren Charlotte, Phoebe, and Oscar Dispensa, and Oliver and August Henak.

Friends and family are invited to the visitation and funeral at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1701 NE 96th St., Kansas City, MO 64155, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 with the funeral to follow at 11:30. A lunch for friends and family will be served following the service.

Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Lone Elm, Missouri at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to King of Kings Lutheran Church or Mid-Continent Public Library.