Harold Van Book was born to Grace and Mark Book on Nov. 13, 1917 at the family farm near Shenandoah. He passed away Jan. 7, 2014 at Nebraska Medical Center at the age of 96.

He attended Lone Star country school and graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1936. He then started farming with his father. He served in the army during World War II. During that time he married Mary Rose Leahy of Imogene in Salt Lake City. Three children were born James, Patricia, and Mary Virginia who passed in infancy.

Harold farmed all his life starting as a renter and eventually owning his own land. He also worked in electronics, first repairing television and later selling and repairing business radios including for the Shenandoah fire and police and Hackett Funeral Home.

Harold enjoyed many hobbies. He and his brother Bob enjoyed flying a Piper Cub. He was ham radio operator W0SPP. He was also an avid fisherman, gardener, and camping enthusiast. He traveled to Alaska on the Alcan Highway and later a train trip through Copper Canyon in Mexico. His later winters were spent at a fishing camp in Florida.

Family was important. In later years Grampa Book would host Bookfest each fall. Family would gather for apple picking, cider pressing and home made wine tasting.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Mary Rose, infant daughter, Mary Virginia, sister Virginia Lynn, brother-in-law Lowell Lynn, brother Robert Book.

Survivors include son James Book, wife Vicky, grandson Steve (Ann) great grandchildren Nathan and Evan. Granddaughter Beth Seiler (Steve) and a much anticipated great granddaughter, all of Kansas City. Daughter Patricia Demarest (James) of Durango, CO, grandson James (Elisa), granddaughter Katie, fiance Will Connor, and Jennifer of Denver. He is also survived by sister-in-law Wanda Book and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed the Wabash Trace Nature Trail.