Seventy-three years ago, Aug. 10, 1943, on a hot summer afternoon, in the preacher''s backyard, Harold Elwood Hoss married Jo Ann Washburn, beginning their long, loving life together. All 25 of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were recently present to celebrate with them their 73rd and last anniversary. Harold passed away Aug. 29, 2016. In one more month he would have been 94.

Jo Ann survives him; as well as their son, Herbert Eugene Hoss (Sammye); daughter, Janet Jo Strunk (Dan); grandchildren, Haley Hoss Jameson (Sam), Russell Scott Wilcox (special friend Clarissa); Hunter Evan Hoss (Renee), David Lynn Wilcox (Allison) and Helayna Jo Hoss Trask (Russ); great-grandchildren, Kody Michael Morrell, Paige Elizabeth Wilcox, Finley Hoss Jameson, Cole Russell Trask, LeElla Joy Trask, Sydnee Jo Jameson, Adalynn Grace Wilcox, Elijah James Wilcox, Aven Reed Trask, Hudson Eglich Hoss, and, Miles Fredric Trask. These kids go from 17 years old down to 1! Harold''s 100-year-old sister, Ellinor Bible, and many nieces and nephews also survive him.

Although much of his life was spent on the Hoss cattle ranch in Barber County, Harold also worked for two years for Boeing and 15 years for Halliburton in Pratt and Hays. For many years, Harold, along with his wife Jo, drove a school bus route for Skyline. Two of his grandkids were on his bus; Helayna says he was the best school bus driver ever. Harold was a 70-year member of Killwinning Masonic Lodge of Pratt, where he took an active part. He had a phenomenal memory for the ritual speeches. He also belonged to Shrine and Eastern Star. He was a lifelong Baptist.

He belonged to the Barber County Cattleman''s Association, was a Barber County Commissioner, participated in the Peace Treaty Pageants from his youth, and he and Jo loved to entertain their Pratt Saddle Club at the roping arena on their Hoss Ranch.

Cremation has taken place. The Hosses will have a family service when Jo and Harold reunite. If you wish to send a memorial, Harold would have appreciated your sending it to Pratt Killwinning Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 213, Pratt, KS 67124.