Harold Pearson

Harold Pearson, age 76, of Smithville, Texas, passed away October 24, 2013. He was born in Barksdale, Texas, on May 7, 1937 and graduated from Southside High School. He began his college education in San Antonio and then graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a civil engineering degree in 1973. Harold was married to Pat Pearson and proud father of two children. He was active and enjoyed retirement until medical conditions slowed him down last year.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy Loraine (Leffingwell) Webb and John Franklin Pearson; brothers, Lee Franklin Pearson and Arthur Bert Webb; and brother-in-law, Willie Eugene Barnett.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Patricia Ann (Barnett) Pearson; daughter, Dorothy Ann Sinclair (and husband Chris); son, John Eugene Pearson (and partner Kevin); his beloved grandchildren Ashley, Austin and Bryce Sinclair; sister-in laws, Marilyn Pearson, Edith Stewart (and husband James), and Edith Barnett; brother-in-law, Butch Hagelgans (and wife Judy); aunt, Lucille Valentino; uncle, Rudy Leffingwell; and many nephews and nieces.

Harold and Pat married in San Antonio, Texas, in 1966, and moved their young family to Austin in 1972 so Harold could finish his higher education. He began his career at Freese and Nichols immediately after graduating college, and went on to own and operate Pearson and Associates and later Tejas Engineering. With his degree and experience, his interest evolved into sewage treatment facilities in the booming North Austin area part of town. In the late 1980s, Harold transitioned his professional career to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, eventually retiring from the state in May 2011.

Harold was active in the Austin community for several years with the Hill City Masonic Lodge, Austin York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Ben Hur Shriners. Later in life, he became active in karate, earning his third degree black belt with Pratt's Karate Club. He continued his involvement in karate for years along with his wife by helping teach karate students.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at All Faiths of the Pines Funeral Home.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the medical staff of St. David's Medical Center for their support and assistance. We also thank the many relatives and friends for their supportive prayers, visits, phone calls and texts. Your help, kindness, and loving words mean more than we could ever express.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Arrangements by All Faiths of the Pines, 110 American Legion Rd., Smithville, Texas, 512-237-3836