Harold Wakefield

Harold M. “Hal” Wakefield, 93, of Homewood at Crumland Farms, Frederick MD died on December 3.

He was born in Concord, NH,  the son of Harold E. And Dorothy (Morey) Wakefield.  He graduated from Concord High School in 1939. His wife, Elizabeth (Carlson) was also a graduate of that high school in 1942.  She preceded him in death in 2012 after 66 years of marriage.  He received his BA degree in political science from Colorado College and a Masters degree in government from the University of New Hampshire.  He was also a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Ft. McNair.  He did additional graduate work at American University in research and development management.

He served with the US Marine Corps during World War II (1942-46).  His service included duty in the Pacific on Hawaii and the Midway Islands.

He began work for Headquarters US Air Force in 1949.  He held various staff and management positions in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff Research and Development.  In 1965 he went to work for the Director of Defense Research and Engineering in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  He retired in 1978.

He and his family spent many years in Annandale, VA.  In 1986 he and Betty moved to Lake of the Woods, VA before moving to Homewood in 2000.

He was a member of the Little River United Church of Christ, Annandale, VA since the early days of its establishment, serving as a deacon and on many of its boards.

Survivors include his four children: Michael and wife Cathy of Chadds Ford, PA, Wendy Valdes and husband Loy of Hockessin, DE, Mark and wife Mary Owens of Frederick, MD and Kevin C. and wife Debra of Clayton, NC.  Five grandchildren: Kerri Wakefield and husband Julio, Kevin A. Wakefield, Andrew Kelczewski and wife Nikki, Katie Norris and husband Drew and Carter Wakefield.  He had one great-grandchild, Hallie Kate Wakefield.  He was preceded in death by one grandson, Kevin C. Wakefield, and by his sister, Esther Park of Fallon, NV.

A celebration of his life will be held at Homewood on Saturday, December 12th, at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will be in Concord, NH at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Homewood Foundation, PO Box 250, Williamsport, MD 21795, Little River UCC, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 or to Christ Reformed UCC, Box 333, Middletown, MD 21769.

Arrangements by Stauffer Funeral Home of Frederick and Stauffer Crematory, Inc. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.