Harold R. Flood

Harold R. Flood, 90, of Quaker City, died Good Friday (April 6, 2012) at Emerald Pointe in Barnesville following a lengthy illness. He passed away peacefully with his family and friends at his side. He was born April 27, 1921 in Batesville, son of the late Harry Flood and Bertha (Neuhart) Flood. He was a 1939 graduate of Batesville High School and a veteran of WWII, where he served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corps working on B-17's in England from 1941-1944. After the war, Harold worked at Hercules Motor Company in Canton OH until he and his wife moved near Quaker City in 1953 and began their lifelong work of building their much-loved dairy farm, "Struggling Acres." It was there that he spent fifty-eight years providing a wonderful life for his family and helping friends & neighbors. Passersby would often see him working the fields or enjoying an evening on the front porch swing. Harold faithfully attended Quaker City United Methodist Church. He was very active in the community throughout his life, serving on the Guernsey County School board and the Friends Cemetery Association. He was an advisor for the Millwood Township 4-H Club and a member of the Pennyroyal Ruritan Club, Quaker City American Legion, and Batesville VFW. He also worked as a realtor for several years with Roberts Realty and Luv-U-Real Estate. In later years he enjoyed spending most morning with the Quaker City "Coffee Club" where he delighted in discussing politics, education, and world affairs. His days were busy fixing fences and keeping up the farm with his four-legged companion "Maggie", helping others, and enjoying time with his friends & family, thus explaining why he often referred to himself as the "luckiest man on earth". He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of sixty-two years, Bernadine (Lashley) Flood; a son, Scott Flood of Las Vegas NV; a daughter, Cindy Flood Ries of Canal Fulton; treasured grandchildren Bre and Josh Ries of Canal Fulton; and precious twin-great-grandsons, Gavin and Aiden Rausch. In addition, he leaves his beloved brother, Ray (& Shirley) Flood of Lady Lakes FL; a sister-in-law, Melba Flood of Batesville; and many other family and dear friends. His dear brother, Jimmie Flood, preceded him in death. Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Quaker City. Funeral services will be held Wednesday (April 11, 2012) at 11 a.m. at the Quaker City United Methodist Church with Pastor Wib Bragg and Pastor Mark Slay officiating. Burial will be at Friends Cemetery, Quaker City, with military graveside services conducted by the Guernsey County Veterans Council. As an expression of sympathy, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Harold's name to the Quaker City United Methodist Church, PO Box 409, Quaker City OH 43773.