David Haralson

(From Bland-Brumback Funeral Home)

Mr. David Leon Haralson, 88, of Carl Junction, Mo, died surrounded by his children and family on December 10, 2023, exactly seven years to the day after his beloved wife, Helen. 

David was born on April 13, 1935, to Owen and Georgia (Nance) Haralson on the family farm in Stockton, Mo. He was the eldest of four sons. David later met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Helen Ann Pyle, and they married on June 23, 1956. They were married for 60 years and blessed with three children.

David dedicated his life to education and touched the lives of countless students, leaving an indelible mark on the Carl Junction school community. His journey with Carl Junction High School began in 1956 when he joined as the band director and vocal music teacher. His passion for education shone brightly as he led the Girls Drum and Bugle Corps, inspiring young minds to embrace the beauty of music and teamwork.

Throughout his career, David taught numerous Vocal Concert Choirs, Civics, Music Appreciation, and general music classes in Carl Junction, Waco and Asbury, demonstrating his commitment to shaping “well rounded” individuals. His influence extended beyond the classroom as he actively sponsored the Student Council, fostering leadership and civic engagement among the student body.

After earning his second Master’s degree in School Administration, David took on the role of High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Carl Junction. He dedicated his expertise and passion to the school for three decades, leaving an enduring legacy. Even in his administrative role, he remained connected with the Student Council, emphasizing the importance of student voices.

In 1986, after an illustrious career spanning 30 years with the CJ school system, David retired, but his impact continued to resonate within the halls. His kindness, gentleness, and unwavering dedication to student success have left an indelible mark on the CJ community.

Once retired, David and Helen traveled the world together, visiting more than a dozen countries and all seven continents. As globetrotters, they stood at attention next to the Beefeaters at Buckingham Palace, meandered the streets of Paris, strolled along the Great Wall of China, smelled the roses at the Palace of Versailles, marveled at the Cathedral in the Red Square in Moscow, floated down the canals at Venice, prayed with the Holy Father in Vatican City, cruised down the Rhine in Germany, laid flowers at the tomb of J.S. Bach in Leipzig, prepared a family dinner for their traveling partners at a rural farm in the English countryside, among hundreds of other travel highlights. In addition to their international travel, they were able to crisscross the county dozens of times to further their hobby business of pressed flower portraits. No matter how far they traveled, they doted on their home in Carl Junction, creating spectacular gardens of extensive variety. A certified Master Gardner, what David grew, Helen treasured.

David served our region in a variety of community and volunteer roles, including teaching Sunday school, regular attendee of the Tri-M Sunday school class, church choir, bell choir, community choir, an area music competition judge, a Freeman Auxiliary Volunteer, and one of the founding members of the Carl Junction Blue Grass Festival.
David was an active member of the Joplin Area Quilters club, a passion that he shared with Helen. David and Helen spent countless hours making quilts from cloth purchased from the many countries that they visited. They enjoyed treasure hunting for the perfect material to turn into a hand-crafted heirloom that will be passed down to future generations.

David is survived by his three children: Garry Haralson (Kathy), Jill Perkins (James), and Brad Haralson (Dixi); six grandchildren Brett Haralson (Abby), Abby Hubbard (John), Amanda LeVey (Junior), Brandon Haralson, Meredith Perkins, and Cara Stark (Caleb); five great grandchildren: Elias Haralson, Kyleigh Hubbard, Neal Haralson, Dominick LeVey, Diego LeVey, and one on the way in March; three brothers: John Haralson (Janice), Robert Haralson (Marci dec.), Jim Haralson (Joan); three sisters-in-laws: Jackie Montgomery (Wayne dec.), Anita Seymour (Allan), and Jennifer Bland (Brent); and one brother-in-law; Michael Pyle (Janie).

David’s legacy lives on through his family, his work in education, and his service to the community. His family will miss him terribly but have a wealth of treasured family memories. We rejoice knowing that he is reunited with his one true love for eternity.

Services will be held at the Joplin First Church at 501 W. 4th street in Joplin, MO on Friday December 15th. Visitation will be at 9:00 followed by services at 10:00. Graveside services will be at 3:00pm at the Stockton Cemetery.