Harold Leroy McCreary
Harold Leroy McCreary, 101, of Beech Grove, Indiana, went to be with our Lord and Savior on October 20, 2025. He was born September 22, 1924, to Omer and Lettie (Crumb) McCreary in Canaan, Indiana. Harold’s legacy includes his children; Bob (Sheila) McCreary, Theresa (Tony) Stokes, Sue (Warren) Aton, Tammy (Brent) Sandefur; grandchildren Don McCreary, Cindy Johnson, Julie Monroe, Lakshan Salgado, Tonya Salkie, Tracy Concannon, Camille Aton, Brittany Aton, and James Sandefur; 15 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Harold is proceeded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ruth McCreary; son, Bill McCreary; and two brothers, Warren and Walter.
Harold was characterized by his kindness and servant’s heart. He loved God and always put others before himself. Harold listened far more than he talked, and his gentle spirit was so comforting. Harold’s positive attitude and smile brought joy to everyone around him.
In 1943, Harold graduated from Cross Plains High School and then enlisted in the Navy. He was a machinist on a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) ship that delivered troops on D-Day to the shores of Omaha Beach during WWII. After the war, Harold married Ruth Hill in 1945 and began his career in cabinetry and finished carpentry. He owned Lakeside Cabinet Company in Versailles, Indiana, and then worked in cabinet making for a variety of companies including Cabinets by Nichols. Harold also loved creating beautiful woodworking pieces for all his family members.
Ruth and Harold built a home in Brown County, Indiana, where they lived for many years. They hosted countless family gatherings featuring boat rides, fish frys, euchre, and Indy 500 gatherings for family and friends. Harold was devoted to his family and spending time together was one of his greatest joys.
Harold was a member of St. Agnes and Holy Name Catholic churches; an 80-year member of the American Legion 173 in Versailles, Indiana, where he served as Commander; and an active member of the USS LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) Association through which he attended several LCI reunions.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Envive, 501 N. 17th Avenue, Beech Grove, IN, with visitation at 9:00am immediately followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass at 10:00am. Interment will take place at Cliff Hill Cemetery, Versailles, IN, with graveside service at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given online to New Hope of Indiana at http://www.newhopeofindiana.org/ or via mailed check to the Versailles American Legion at P.O. Box 173, Versailles, IN 47042. Online condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.orileybranson.com/.
