Haldon Dean (Hal) Funk

Springfield - Haldon Dean (Hal) Funk, son of Earl and Hazel Funk, was born in Moweaqua, Illinois on January 26, 1931, and passed away January 2, 2022 at the age of 90. Hal spent his childhood on a small Depression-era farm, and he attended the Moweaqua public schools. After graduating from high school he enrolled at Illinois State University, the first member of his family to attend college. Hal graduated from ISU in 1953 with a degree in teacher education.

After graduating Hal taught elementary school in Decatur, Illinois and earned a Masters of Education at the University of Illinois. He then accepted a faculty position at Northern Illinois University and completed a Doctor of Education degree at Indiana University. Hal later joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina—Greensboro before accepting a position at Southwest Missouri State University in 1972.

While at SMSU (now Missouri State University), Hal taught graduate and undergraduate classes in the College of Education. He was extremely active in his discipline, writing a number of journal articles, co-editing two books of readings, and presenting at numerous professional conferences. He went on to become the University's Dean of Continuing Education, and spearheaded an expansion of programs that included expanding night classes, off campus offerings, and launching intersession and weekend college programs. In addition, he served on the boards of state and national organizations that advocated for lifelong learning. After 15 years in the Dean's role, Hal concluded his higher education career by returning to the classroom. He retired in 1997.

Hal's scholarly activities didn't cease with retirement, however, and he became a dedicated Civil War researcher and presenter, actively participating in the local Civil War Roundtable and volunteering at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. He maintained his ties to the University as an avid supporter of both the Bears and Lady Bears. In fact, his enthusiasm for the Bears was only exceeded by his passion for golf, and he was proud to have completed an 18-hole round at the age of 89.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Hazel, his brothers, Harold, George, Earl, Jr., Bill, and Paul; two sisters, Madonna, and Mary (Morrison). He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Kathy, of the home; his two sons and their partners, Gary and Jana Funk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Randy and Cheri Funk, Overland Park, Kansas; and four cherished grandchildren, William Funk, Kansas City, Weston Funk, Kansas City, Megan Funk and partner, Jon Urban, Philadelphia, and Thomas Funk and partner Holly Tarren, Cardiff, Wales.

Due to Covid an informal Visitation will be Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 12:00-7:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home where family and friends may sign a book and view at their convenience. Please mask and social distance. A celebration of Hal's life will be held later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks' Rural Schools Partnership in support of the Ozarks Teacher Corps. Community Foundation of the Ozarks, PO Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801.

Hal's slideshow can be viewed here .