Harold Jay Bollinger, 89, longtime area resident passed away Wednesday morning, November 8, 2023 at the Abundantly Blessed Care Home in Canyon, Texas.

The son of Eldon Jay and Beulah May (Thompson) Bollinger, Harold was born August 30, 1934 near Gruver, Texas. His father died one week later and Harold was raised by his mother and second father, Emil Steffen. Harold grew up in the Hardesty community, graduating from Hardesty High School.

Harold and Wilburta Corene Miller were united in marriage on January 24, 1954 in Hardesty, beginning a 69-year journey together through life and love. He furthered his education at Central State University and later received his Master's in Education from West Texas State University in 1970.

Harold's faith was the central point of his life. He began preaching at the age of 15. He helped build churches in Mississippi, Alabama, California and Alaska and had pastored many churches, including Trinity Faith in Liberal, KS, Panhandle Bible Center in Guymon, OK and most recently the Apostolic Church in Spearman, TX. On one stint in Alaska, he and Wilburta adopted their cherished daughter, Crystal in 1981 at Chevak, AK where they had served the year prior. The family returned to Hardesty in 1983.

In addition to his love for the Lord, Harold loved education and children, which led him to teach school in Oklahoma, Texas and Alaska. He also served as a counselor and in administration. He was awarded the OK Administrator of the Year for 2005 while he was at Tyrone schools. He and his brother, Eldon were instrumental in developing curriculum, writing textbooks and teaching countless ministry students at the Apostolic Faith Bible College, which later became the Great Commission Bible College. He loved spending time writing books and poetry and even embraced technology to begin releasing e-books. His knowledge for the Word never wavered and he read the Bible from cover to cover every month for the past five years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eldon Bollinger; his parents, Beulah and Emil Steffen; one sister, Eula Harrel and two brothers, Johnny Steffen and Eldon Ray Bollinger.

Survivors include his loving wife, Wilburta Bollinger; daughter, Crystal and husband, Cody Ninemire of Hardesty; grandson, Jereme Green of Garden City, KS; sister, Vivian Flowers of Mills, NM; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A celebration of Harold's life will be held Saturday morning, November 18th at 10:00 a.m. at the Hardesty Community Church. The immediate family will have a private interment at Hartville Cemetery, SE of Hardesty.

Memorials in Harold's name can be made to Save the Children and will be accepted at the Bunch - Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.

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