Harold Dean VanHoose

June 17, 2023 at 1:00 P.M.

On May 30, 2023, Harold Dean VanHoose shed his earthly pain from health issues and made a graceful exit, surrounded by love in Somerset, Ky.

Harold was born on February 3, 1941, in Johnson County, Ky., to Hollie and Roberta VanHoose. He graduated from Oil Springs High School, where he enjoyed agriculture classes and held a state degree with FFA. Harold was also a Boy Scout during his school years. After graduating, he wanted to join the military, but the recruiter didn’t need anyone for six weeks. Harold didn’t want to wait that long, instead he enrolled at Ashland Barber College. He excelled at barbering and spent 60 years mastering the art of cutting hair. He was elected to the Kentucky State Barbering Board by Gov. Brereton Jones. He owned Harold’s Barbershop in Paintsville, Ky., for many years. He also worked at Fort Knox and MacDill Air Force Base (Tampa, Fla.) barbershops. He managed the MacDill shop for a few years and was the personal barber for several well-known generals. After sixteen years in Tampa, he returned to Kentucky in 2016. His last barbering job was at Nancy Barbershop in Nancy, Ky., and he enjoyed that community immensely.

Harold was active in his community. He loved politics and campaigning. He was elected Johnson County sheriff in the late 1970s and ran for office because he wanted change for his community. He was president of VanCar coal trucking company in Muhlenberg County for a few years. Harold also enjoyed appraising and developing property. He held several patents as he loved inventing and modifying things. He was a member of The Lions Club in Paintsville. He was also a proud Master Mason and Shriner. Harold was a Kentucky Colonel. He served as President of the Bambino League for Youth Baseball in Johnson County for several years. He and friends enjoyed summers in a softball league for fun competitive games. He was a “jack of all trades” and made friends wherever he went. He will be remembered for his grit, resilience, tenacity, honesty in telling it like it was, his storytelling, and his smile. His greatest attribute was his positive attitude.

Harold loved to explore the world around him during his younger days. He was an avid traveler who had visited many states and countries. He enjoyed hunting and took yearly bird hunting trips with friends to Kansas, Wisconsin and Nebraska. He always enjoyed a day out on the lake fishing, or a day hiking in the woods and walking creeks to find the most unique rock of the day. He collected many rocks and arrowheads over the years. Many are displayed in his flower garden. He enjoyed reading and watching Westerns. Piddlin’ in his toolshed and working on his antique cars (most recently a prized 1948 Willys Jeep) was considered a good afternoon.

Harold married his high school sweetheart Ruby K. Adams in 1962. They were an incredible duo for 55 years. She preceded him in death. After 18 years of marriage, one daughter was born, their miracle child Kara Paige. Harold is survived by his daughter Kara Paige; his son-in-law Stephen Douglas Butcher; and two grandchildren, Kessa Hallie-Faye and “Cowboy” Kase Douglas. He was proud to be their Pawpaw. The three had many grand adventures. He is also survived by his dog, Daisy.

Harold was one of twelve children. He was preceded in death by his brothers James and Luther. He is survived by his siblings Hershell, Hollie J, Roger, Venny, Jean, Ruby Jewell, Geneva, Lillian, and Sharon. He is also survived by many other family and friends who will fondly remember the inspirational Harold Dean.

Harold asked that there be no sorrow in his passing of journeying Home. Instead, think of how you can make a difference in the lives of others and live each day with positivity. Find the good.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on June 17, 2023, at The Preston Funeral Home in Paintsville, KY. The family will receive friends and family starting at 11 a.m. until the time of service. Southern Oaks Funeral Home in Somerset, along with Preston Funeral Home in Paintsville, will be in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Shriners Children’s Hospital.