Harold E. Shrell, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went to be with Jesus after a long, fulfilling life. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2025 in Ruston three days shy of his 97th birthday.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM, Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Temple Baptist Church Chapel in Ruston with Rev. Dale Oden officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston. Visitation will be held at the church Sunday from 1:30 PM until service time.

Harold was born in Oak Grove, LA on Feb. 2, 1928, along with his twin brother Harry Claude Shrell, to Clyde Herbert Shrell and Lillian Pollard Shrell. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church and the Good Neighbors Sunday School Class. That group of men was particularly special to him, and he attended faithfully as long as his health permitted. Brother James Evans introduced Harold and Helen to the Kairos Prison ministry, where they served for about 15 years.  Harold attended Ruston schools and Louisiana Tech. He served briefly in the U. S. Army near the end of World War II and was trained as a Medic during the Korean Conflict, but was never sent overseas.  His first career was in insurance, selling various forms of insurance for over 20 years. Later, Harold sold and serviced farm equipment and owned his own business. Harold always loved growing things and was an expert gardener. Most Ruston residents remember the huge tomato garden the Shrells produced, selling vegetables to the public.

Harold enjoyed 42 years of marriage to Doris Jean Walker Shrell. Four sons were born to their union: Jim (Sharon) Shrell, Donnie (Lori) Shrell, Joey (Teri) Shrell, and Richard (Susan) Shrell.  After the death of Doris, Harold married Helen Knotts Evans. The addition of her four children produced a large, congenial family: Charlotte McCall, Gordon (Belinda) Evans, Laura (Jeff) Muckleroy, and Melba (Stephen) Campbell.

Harold and Helen enjoyed traveling with senior adult groups, especially their trip to Israel and their cruise to Turkey and Greece, studying Paul's missionary journeys.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and their spouses: Darwin (Leora) Shrell, Clyde (Gerry) Shrell, Ed (Thelma)Shrell, and Harry (Monique)Shrell; stepson-in-law Bruce McCall, and great-grandson, Walter Mark Cranford.

Harold is survived by his wife of 28 years, Helen; their children and his grandchildren: Melanie Shrell, Mindy (Josh) Townsend, Mandi (Michael) McFarlain, Brant (Rachel) Shrell, Dustin (Kelsey) Shrell, Seth (Holly) Shrell, Chad (Erin) Winborne, Lori Winborne, Traci Winborne, Haley Shrell & fiancé Tyler Ward, Hanna Shrell, and Hope Shrell.  He is also survived by Helen's grandchildren: Nicholas (Taylor) Wilhite, Frank (Angie) Heinz, Bryan (Jo) Evans, and Heather (Timmy) Hawkins, Claire (Brandon) Justus, Anne (Colton) Cranford, and Paul (Heather) Muckleroy; their great grandchildren: Brayden & Brody Otwell, Madison Kate Townsend, Maeve and Miller McFarlain, Ryan Ecker, Luke and Ava Shrell, Kay Lynn and Lillian Shrell, Hudson, Hunter Bo, and Hadleigh Shrell, Milliann Winborne, Will Evans, Jamey Evans, Hunter and Jordan Hawkins, John Charles, Jillian & Jericho Justus, August, Martin and Benjamin Cranford, and two great-grandchildren to be born this spring.

Serving as pallbearers will be Harold's grandsons.  Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Good Neighbor Sunday School Class.

The family would like to thank all the support given by the Veteran's Administration and a special thanks to Richard Modest, our strong and faithful helper.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Temple Baptist Church Renovation Fund, 1515 South Service Road West, Ruston, LA 71270, The Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126, or Rock Steady Boxing, Louisiana Tech University, Attn: Dr. Skylar Temple, P.O. Box 3137, Ruston, LA 71270.  To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com