Harold Baird Emery

Harold Baird Emery, 94, of Norman, peacefully passed away with his loving daughter by his side Monday July 6, 2020 as a result of cancer. He was born at home April 26, 1926 in Dallas, Texas to Clifford Almon and Agnes Mae (Baird) Emery. Harold was the third and youngest child. To celebrate his birth, Clifford bought his wife, Agnes, a beautiful stained glass lamp, entitled, “Mansion On The River”. After his parent’s passed away, he inherited this beloved lamp.

Harold graduated from Polytechnic High School and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He desired to become a pilot, however all spaces were filled. As a result, he was trained to roll up and bring in the tow ropes for the glider planes. Harold was a proud WW II Veteran after being discharged with one and a half years of service. As a Veteran, the GI Bill funded his Mechanical Engineering degree at Texas A&M. He jokingly referred to his stay at A&M as, “Prison on the Brazos”. His career began in Dallas, Texas with Magnolia Oil Co, later becoming Mobil. He excelled within the gas division, and was frequently called out to compressor stations in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, California, and Canada. He quickly became known as, “The Junk Man” for overhauling equipment with spare parts. Within his 41 year career he was transferred to Wichita, KS, Norman, OK and Denver, CO where he retired.

Harold married his beloved wife, Janet Earle (Benson) at her parent’s home on May 16, 1953 in Greenville, Texas. Together, they were blessed with three children; Bruce, Mark and Leslie. As Christians, it was imperative for their children to be raised with the knowledge of the Lord. All three accepted Jesus as their personal Savior before the age of 8. They both were involved in Friendship International thru the church, and hosted foreign students from various universities. Sulaiman Al-fassam and his family became some of their closest friends. To this day, they still call from Saudi Arabia to wish the family Merry Christmas.

Throughout the years, Harold inspired many people. He encouraged young men to serve in the military, and encouraged the younger generation to go to college. All his children and grandchildren graduated with his financial gift of education, 5 earned Engineering Major’s, 4 earned Business majors, and 5 earned their Masters. All are doing well.

Owning rental property was his passion. He used the Oklahoma house as his first rental property when he transferred to Denver, when he was 51. Forty years later, he had a sum of 21 properties managed by his good friends, the McConnell’s and now ARIA. He bought his last property at age 91. For years, he showed both men and women his calculations for rate of return.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife; Janet, son; Bruce, parents; Clifford and Agnes, brothers; Kenneth and Almon, and granddaughter; Abby Marie Emery. He is survived by a son; Mark Emery and wife Vicki of Owensboro, KY, daughter; Leslie Salazar of Norman, OK. Grandchildren; Beverly, Michael, Erik, Ryan, Adam, Diana, Evan, and a plethora of great grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his broad grin, and his tender heart.