Harold Stephens Wann

Harold grew up on an Indiana farm during the Depression. He earned a scholarship to Purdue University, where he studied agricultural economics and joined the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He was called to military service during his junior year and met his wife Ella Lou while stationed in North Carolina. Harold was an Army forward artillery observer in the Philippines. At one point, he directed fire for guns on the battleship U.S.S. Missouri.

He made a successful career as a commodities trader, starting at Wilson & Co. in Chicago. For decades, he was head oil buyer for Wesson Oil in New Orleans and then Fullerton. Harold and Lou were delighted to welcome their first child after 22 years of marriage. They were fun, ever-loving, and supportive parents. In retirement, Harold enjoyed trips with family, woodworking, restoring cars, and doing crossword and sudoku puzzles. Throughout his life, he was comfortable with himself, honest in his dealings, happy to meet people, and ready to share a good story. In his 90s, his motto was, “Keep marching.” When asked, “How are you?” he always replied, “I haven’t fallen down yet.” 

Harold is survived by his daughter Marilyn Wann and her boyfriend Orion Cooper. His wife of 71 years died in 2015. Lou and Harold were beloved aunt and uncle to Mary, Robert, Diana, Becky, Janice, Richard, Kris, and Stanley from Indiana; to Roger Jr., Bruce, and Richard in North Carolina; and to Janet Lou and Phillip, the children of their dear friends Mary and Emmet Wells. Janet and her husband Steve Brunette, as well as their children Meggan, Janelle, and Collin remember Uncle Harold with love, as do Phil’s widow Carol and their daughters, Caitlin and Olivia. We raise our glasses in your direction, Harold, and say, “Happy days!”

A funeral will be held at 11 am, Friday, March 11, at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton.

Contact: McAulay & Wallace Mortuary

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, which conserves the state’s wild places and introduces them to children.

Indiana Natural Resources Foundation. 

402 West Washington St, W256

Indianapolis, IN 46204