ABILINE — Harold Stanley Debenham, 87, died March 20.  Born Oct. 5, 1926 in Junction City, he was the son of Charley Earnest and Elsie Mable (Dibben) Debenham.  
Harold married Eleanore Lois Crocker on June 29, 1952, in Steele City, Neb. and five children were born to this marriage.  Eleanore died June 28, 2003.  He married Lorene Harris on July 14, 2004.  She survives.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charley Earnest and Elsie Mable (Dibben) Debenham, daughter-in–law Marcia Kay Debenham; brothers-in-law Beverly G “Frenchie” French, Norman F. Drouin, Orin Ronald Travis; grandson, Matthew David Debenham, great granddaughter Brooklyn Lee Debenham; and stepson Richard Voran.
Harold grew up on the family farm outside of Industry and graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in Chapman in 1944.  He participated in high school sports, earning a football letter three years.  
He joined the merchant marines after graduation.  In 1946 he joined the U.S. Army. After serving his country for over 24 years, he retired in 1970 with the rank of Sgt. First Class.  During his service, Harold served in numerous locations including Japan, Germany, Korea, Vietnam, Kentucky, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas and Alabama.  He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal for Japan and Germany, National Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Expert (Carbine & Rifle), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Bronze Star.
After his military service, he returned to farming on the family farm with his father, Charley and son, Steven.  He was a long time member of the Abilene First United Methodist Church, the Crusaders Sunday School Class, Dickinson County Rural Life and the Abilene Kiwanis Club. Harold enjoyed his adult church group, Rural Life activities, traveling and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his brother Cecil Debenham (Bernie), Colorado; sisters Ruby French, Abilene; Darlene Drouin, Washington; and Thelma Chancellor (James), Hutchison; brother-in-law Boyd Crocker, Winfield; children Steven Debenham (Shelly), Abilene; David Debenham (Glenda Cafer), Topeka; Patricia Anderson (Jerry), McPherson; Barbara Morton, Salina; Sharon Burt (Tim), Abilene; grandchildren Becky VanNess, Brian Debenham (Chantell), Bonnie Reiter (Loren), Nathan Lundquist (Klarissa), Brian Lundquist; Cortney Debenham, Lindsey Debenham, Glynnis Debenham; Thomas Anderson, Cody Anderson; Chasity Mader (Brandon); Molly Burt, Samuel Burt and Emily Burt; great-grandchildren Ashley VanNess, Jordan VanNess, Maci Debenham, Zoey Debenham, Kyran Lundquist, Triston Cottone, Hudson Reiter, Matthew Mader and Annaliese Mader; step-children Kathleen Voran, Patrick Harris (Marilyn), Brian Harris (Cecilia), Karen Conrad (Bob), Kevin Harris (Rose).
Funeral Services will be 10 a.m., Monday, at the First United Methodist Church in Abilene with Pastor John and Jenny Collins officiating.  Burial will follow at Green Ridge Cemetery.  Family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m., Sunday,  at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be left at www.martinbeckercarlson.com
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or Dickinson County Rural Life and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home at 414 N.W. 3rd, Abilene, Kansas.  

Funeral arrangements provided by
Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home **
414 N.W. Third
Abilene, KS 67410
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 23, 2014