Hearld Ambler, a longtime resident of Springfield, passed away at the wonderful age of 101 on December 26, 2025. He was born March 28, 1924, the only son of Ivan Alonzo and Agnes Ambler. He grew up during the Dust Bowl days in rural southeastern Kansas. When the US entered World War II, he enlisted in U.S. Naval Aviation. After extensive training, he was awarded his aviator wings in December,1944, but was never shipped overseas and was discharged in November 1945. Hearld married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Bell, in May 1945. They were happily married for 73 years and had three children.

Hearld graduated from the University of Kansas in 1948 with a degree in accounting. Later that year, he was employed by the CPA firm of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson in Joplin. In 1950 he transferred to the firm's Springfield office, receiving his CPA certification in 1952. He quickly became a partner in the firm and over the next 40 plus years he was a principal force in growing BKD into one of America's most successful regional firms. He retired after serving as the firm's first Managing Partner in 1989.

Hearld served as a board member, officer and volunteer for many professional and community organizations, including Friends of the Zoo, United Cerebral Palsy, Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Missouri Office of Aging, Missouri Society of CPAs, and the Missouri State Board of Accounting. He was an original founder of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, serving on the board for many years.

Hearld was an energetic and generous individual, mentoring many people in his long career, including during his volunteer activities. After retirement, he served for 27 years in the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program.  He and Marjorie donated to the Dickerson Park Zoo to help build the Diversity of Life Building which bears their name. They supported the Springfield Botanical Gardens, donating funds for the new Sensory Garden fountains. Through the Community Foundation, they established a scholarship fund for accounting students. Hearld received the Community Foundation's Humanitarian Award in 2016.

Hearld was an avid fisherman, floating the rivers of southern Missouri. His fishing guide said of him, "He was the best fisherman I've ever met." His and Marge's love of fishing led to many trips to Minnesota, Canada, Alaska, and other locales. He loved travelling, nature and gardening, He always had a beautiful yard that was full of birdfeeders. He was a wonderful family man and a great dad and grandfather.

Hearld was preceded in death by his wife, Marge, and his two sisters, Helen Beck and Loyce Holmes. He is survived by his children, Allen, Jackie and Eric Ambler, and by 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to either the Ambler Fountains Maintenance Fund or the Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship Fund.