William "Bill" Harshaw

William “Bill” Harshaw Jr., born on November 26, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, entered into rest on December 23, 2024. Son of the late William Harshaw Sr. and the late Marie (Polack) Harshaw. In the mid-1950s, Bill and his parents moved to Cape Girardeau, MO, to be closer to Marie’s family.

Bill attended Trinity Lutheran School and later College High School for three years before graduating from Cape Central High School in 1964. At the age of 16, he began working as a plumber for his uncles and was a dedicated member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 union for 60 years.

Bill served in the Missouri Army National Guard for over 35 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, CW4, at the age of 60. On April 27, 1968, he married Carol Smith in Qulin, MO. They lived in Cape Girardeau for several years before moving to Gordonville, MO, in 1977. In 2016, they relocated to St. Louis to be closer to their children.

Bill and Carol were blessed with two daughters, Elizabeth (David Yung) Harshaw and Heather Harshaw, both of St. Louis. His pride and joy was his only granddaughter, Sabine Yung.

Known for his outgoing and generous nature, Bill could find a friend anywhere he went, and once he was your friend, you were his friend for life. After retiring, Bill enjoyed volunteer work, dedicating his time to the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Riverside Regional Library in Jackson, MO, and Camp Guardian. He also did maintenance work at Christ Lutheran Church and served as an usher and member of the men’s club at Salem Lutheran Church. Bill was an active member of the Cape County Democrats and always went out of his way to help loved ones.

Bill was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville, MO, from 1979 to 2015, and Salem Lutheran Church in Affton from 2016 until his death. He was known for his sense of humor, even though he couldn’t always remember the whole joke. Many hours were spent laughing until crying, even during his last days.

Bill is survived by his wife, daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter, cousin Bob (Joy Bell) Polack of Cape Girardeau, aunt Dorothy Polack of Cape Girardeau, sisters-in-law Joy (Donnie) Belcher of Kennet, MO, and Jan Corbett of Palos Heights, IL, brother-in-law John (Hope) Smith of Port Ludlow, WA, niece Julie (Robert) May and their daughter Piper of Sanger, TX, nephew Wesley (Patricia) Dumey of Apopka, FL, and great-niece Ashley (Kelly) Holbrook and their daughter Riven of Kingsport, TN. He was preceded in death by his nephew Scott Belcher.

Bill’s love and support were constants in the lives of his family, and his memory will continue to inspire them. Bill's legacy of kindness, humor, and service will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Interment will occur at a later date with a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food bank in Bill’s name or to Camp Guardian.

To view the livestream of Bill's service beginning at 7 p.m., CLICK HERE.