Dr. Eversmeyer

Dr. Harold Edwin Eversmeyer, 92, died on April 3, 2020 in Nashville, TN. Harold was born July 7, 1927 to Gideon and Susie (Kintigh) Eversmeyer in Randolph Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Howard, brothers Merle, Ray and wife Lois Ann, sister Joyce and daughter Elaine Eversmeyer.Harold is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ruth Stinson. They were married on October 18, 1953 at the Ottawa KS United Presbyterian Church.Left to cherish Harold's memory are sons Clair of Mt Juliet TN, Kent (Maureen) of Huntsville AL; daughter Denise (Douglas) Taylor of Old Hickory TN; grandchildren Jesse Eversmeyer of Kansas City KS, Kayce Eversmeyer of Mt Juliet TN, Meagan Eversmeyer of North Hollywood CA, Austin Eversmeyer of Huntsville AL, Robert Taylor of Old Hickory TN, and David Taylor of Old Hickory TN.Harold taught at Murray State University for 31 years in the Biology Department. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate classes, he taught field biology for three summers to Elderhostel students, coordinated the 1983 spring wildflower program at Reelfoot Lake State Park and helped set up nature education in Land Between the Lakes and Kentucky's Lake Barkley State Resort Park. He also prepared a pamphlet on Wildflowers of West Kentucky and Tennessee. During his years at Murray State he received many local, state, and national teaching awards. In 1984 Harold was named as Outstanding College Teacher of Science by the Kentucky Academy of Science as well as the 21 ^st recipient of the Distinguished Professor of the Year Award by MSU Alumni Association. Harold's profound knowledge and interest in flora, fauna and ornithology made him a favorite for programs and field trips for outdoor learning. His research interests included the study of airborne fungal spores in West Kentucky. He was often referred to as a "teacher's teacher" for his work advising and guiding students interested in becoming teachers themselves.Prior to joining Murray State, Harold was a doctoral fellow at Kansas State University, Manhattan KS, where he earned a Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Pathology. He also holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Kansas State and taught fifth thru eighth grades in Franklin County KS for several years.His early professional work included that of a 4-H agent for the Kansas Agriculture Extension Service at Olathe and Emporia from 1951 to 1960, with a term in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He is listed in "American Men of Science", "who's Who in American Education (Science)" and "Who's Who in Frontier Science and Technology: He was a member of Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta honor societies, Helminthological, Phytopathological, Nematologists and Sigma Xi scientific societies, and the Kentucky Academy of Science, including service as chairman of the board of directors 1978-79.While at Emporia KS, Harold became a Kiwanis member and then continued his membership with the Kiwanis Club in Murray, KY. He served in many offices and committees locally, district and division including being lieutenant governor of Kiwanis, division 15 twice. His proudest accomplishment was 50 years perfect attendance.In 2013 the decision was made to move to Mt Juliet TN to be closer to family. Harold was described as quiet, intelligent, gentle, compassionate, and hard working. The grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was always ready to be involved in family endeavors. Fourteen years in Murray High School Band Boosters was a favorite. He enjoyed reading, wood working, bird watching, photography, gardening, car day trips, family dinners and especially grilling his famous barbeque chicken.Harold and Ruth loved traveling wherever their RV lifestyle could take them. As a family they toured and camped across the United States including visits to each Canadian Province. As a couple, Harold and Ruth toured all 49 continental states, made several trips to Alaska and Mexico. Seventeen fun seasons were spent as Winter Texans in the lower Rio Grande Valley, where his birding hobby was shared and enjoyed.Interment will be at Mt Juliet Memory Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am on June 20, 2020 at 6455 Old Murfreesboro Rd East in Lebanon, TN.