Harold Rose

-----Harold A. "Jack" Rose (1916-2011) Longtime resident and respected community member Harold A. "Jack" Rose, 95, of 1428 Wheeler St. Vincennes, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital. Born on April 4, 1916, to Milton O. and Cora Goldie(Conrad), he was one of 8 children and was the last surviving child of this union. His brothers and sisters were Larry, Oscar, Albert, William, Irene(Woolsey) and Margaret(Sullivan). Longevity was on his side, as he outlived every family member in age. During his years of employment, he worked at Blackford Window Glass Company as a shipping clerk for 23 years(1943-1966). When Blackford closed its' doors, he moved across country to Wichita, Kansas to work at Guardian Industries(also a glass company). Here he met a lifelong friend Homer Lewis. He did make friends wherever he went! Following this job and several years later, he found a "place to roost" an Tweco Welding Equipment Company(also in Wichita) where he was a Foreman of their Grind Shop for 12 years from 1970-1982. Here, he was introduced to Vern Campbell and they too became fast friends. Upon retirement, he was a maintainance caretaker at Camp Fellowship, a Church of God Camp, for several years before moving back to Vincennes. He had taken this job while his youngest daughter was in college. He always seemed to "find ways" to provide for his family.From earlier beginnings and experiences in building, he gained his nickname(from Zeke Burke) and also developed a knack for constructing many useful household items and crafts. He enjoyed entering many things in the local State Fair, crafted at the local Senior Center and gave many things away because he had a kind and giving spirit. He, at one time, helped build a house and built various other structures, including a tool shed of his own design while in Kansas(that resembled a small house) and remodeled at least parts of two houses which he owned and lived in. He repaired things as well, made do with what he had or knew how to acquire what he needed and never seemed to be afraid to crawl up on roof to fix a leak or do repairs if and when it needed to be done. He also spent his free time in retirement helping organize a "reunion" of his graduating class: The Lincoln Class of 1934. He spent time locating any members still living and they all rode in the Homecoming Parade together. He was never idle and seemed to always put his hands or mind to something good. He also dabbled in writing and developed a style all his own. He often used his wordsmithing talents in Sunday School lessons and of course he infused them with a good dose of his sense of humor. Being a man of strong convictions, he helped First Church of God in Vincennes move to their current location on St. Clair. They used to be located on 6th, but through his help with fund raising efforts and his vision and time spent with others laying the foundation and building the building, the church was able to relocate. With the exception of his time in Kansas(where he attended Pawnee Avenue Church of God), he faithfully attended this church for the majority of his adult life. There did not seem to be a day when he was not grateful for the mercies God seemed to extend to him and his family.Surviving is his wife, Eileene (Jones) Rose, whom he married April 2, 1960. They were married in Washington Indiana and remained married almost 52 years before his passing. His three children are Larry (Jeanie) Rose of Winter Haven, Florida, Gary (Becky)Rose of Vincennes and Lesley (Scott) Pearson of Gresham, Oregon. He also has seven Grandchildren and seven Great Grandchildren. Viewing will be on Sunday, February 5 from 1-4pm at the Gardner-Brockman Funeral Home and funeral services will be at the First Church of God in Vincennes on February 6 at 2 pm with Rev Georg Karl and Pastor Fred Nocus officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God. Online condolences may be made at www.gradnerbrockman.com