Harold Wayne Eslinger was born on December 31, 1924 to William "Clyde" and Alice Fern (Downing) Eslinger west of Anthony, Ks. He was the second child of four children. Harold lost his father at the age of 7. After that he spent time with his grandparents Columbus and Julia Eslinger, helping on their farm.

Harold attended most of 8 grades of school at Flowerdale School west of Anthony. On the first day of high school, Harold went in the front door and left by the back door and never returned. Harold continued to work on the farm. Later he went to work for Botkin John Deere. Harold and his friends often rode their horses to town and tied them behind the old Morrison Hotel in Anthony till they went home. Later Harold enjoyed riding his motorcycle to Tulsa and other places with his friends to listen to Bob Wills and his band. Harold wanted to enlist in the Army and serve his country but was not accepted due to health reasons.

While Harold was living in town, he became ill and Tuddy Thomas decided to visit him. They began to date and Harold told his mother he was going to marry Tuddy. They were married in a triple ceremony with her brother Bob Thomas and Jean Potts, and Jean's uncle Glen Patterson and Norma Kane on May 18, 1947 at the Methodist Church in Anthony. They celebrated 70 years together in May of 2017. To this union 2 sons were born, Ron in 1948 and Eric in 1950.

Harold and Tuddy moved to a farm north of Harper near the Duquoin area in 1948. Tuddy continues to live there. Harold farmed most of his life. They also milked cows several years. Harold loved horses and always had them along with cows on the farm. Harold became a Christian as a young man. His faith was very important to him. He and Tuddy attended the Harper Christian Church most of their married life where Harold was an elder.

Harold passed away at the Harper Hospital on Dec. 18, 2017, just 13 days before his 93th birthday. Harold will be missed by his family and friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill and Bob; his son Ron; and brother-in-law Howard Bettis. He is survived by his wife Tuddy; his son Eric (Beth); daughter-in-law Carol; sister Ruth Bettis; sisters- in-law Jeanne Eslinger and Jean Thomas; Eric's children Kim (Thad) Duvall, Jodi (Justin) Murphy, and Tamara (George) Blubaugh; Carol's children Matt(Laura) Eslinger, Sara (Russell) Voyles, Jennifer (Bernie) Bock, and Toby (Lori) Eslinger; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Harper Christian Church or to Heartland Hospice and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Funeral is at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21st at the Harper Christian Church with Ed Hughlett officiating. Interment will follow at the Duquoin Cemetery.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is in charge of the arrangements.