Harold Lee Whitfield

Harold Lee Whitfield, the youngest of two sons bom to Ossie & Nettie Piggee Whitfield, entered this life on September 16, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri. Both of his parents, and his stepmother, Irma Magee Whitfield, predeceased him. Harold was educated in the Kirkwood School District; and went to Douglass High School until integration came into play. He graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1956 and attended college at Washington University to receive his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management and his Juris Doctorate. In 1962, Harold went into the United States Army for two years, then received his license to practice law in the State of Missouri in 1968. Harold married Frances (Cookie) Reeves on August 10, 1968, and they were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Kara. Early in their marriage, Harold and Cookie started vacationing in Jamaica (his second home), and eventually began to take other family, friends, and loved-ones, including the "Bunker Hill" group. He was a faithful connecting Link ("Mule") and Carrafella. He confessed his hope in Christ at a young age and was a life-long member of Olive Chapel A.M.E. Church in Kirkwood, Missouri. During his membership he sang in the male choir and served on the Steward and Trustee Boards. He further served as a member of the Judicial Counsel for the A.M.E. Conference. Harold was the Executive Director and Charter Board Member of the Economic Development Board for the 5th District. Harold leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Frances (Cookie); two daughters Susan (Gregory), and Kara; two grandchildren, Royce and Rayni; Mrs. Vassie Nall, whom he called his favorite mother-in-law; one brother, Kennard (Jean); one brother-in-law Barnett (Ruby) Reeves; Seven nieces, Lorna Porter Stacy Jones, Lisa, Lynn, Rene, Jennifer, and Kristie; nephews Eric and Barnett, III, and a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, aunts, and other relatives and friends. Professionally Harold's career as an Attorney at Law spiraled him like a shooting star. Throughout the years, Harold's practice of concentration was wrongful death and personal injury. In 1966, he became the Director of Conciliation for the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and remained in this position until 1970. Commencing in 1970, Harold worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Regional Director of the U.S. Civil Service Commission for four years. In 1972, he was elected as a Kirkwood City Council members and served until 1976. In 1976 Harold ran for Mayor in Kirkwood, MO. Harold founded the Law Firm of Whitfield, Montgomery, P.C., which later became Whitfield, Montgomery & Staples, P.C. From 1976 to 1994, Harold was a partner in Whitfield & James Mortuary, with his wife. He was a life-time member of the NAACP, a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and was later inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Harold received the Legend of Law Award given by the Mound City Bar Association and he served as the Professional Municipal Judge for the City of Kirkwood as well as an adjunct Professor of Law at the Washington University Law School. In 2008, Harold was a Delegate in the National Democratic Convention and was one of the Attorneys for Missouri in the tobacco litigation case. Over the years Harold received Resolutions from Municipalities, The Supreme Court of Missouri/The Board of Governors of the Missouri Bar, the Missouri House of Representatives, and MOLES. After Harold retired from practicing law, he garnered a relationship with KSTL JUBILEE 690 AM radio. One of his contributions included "Bridging the Gap," Jubilee Night at the Ball Park. Tis event was held as an initiative with the purpose of helping to restore the strained relation- ship between young black men and our Law Enforcement agencies. Harold was earnest in his attempt to be all he could be, not only with himself, but with his fellow man also. His legacy will live on. Interment: J.B. National Cemetery 2900 Sheridan Avenue St. Louis, MO 63126 . Memorial Service Sunday, Oct 16, 2016 3:00 PM St. James A.M.E. Church 4301 St. Ferdinand St. Louis, MO 63113