Usher, Harold A. 'Mike'

Harold A. “Mike” Usher

4-26-1928 - 11-26-2009

Harold A. “Mike” Usher, 81, The Lord called “Mike” home on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, after a long struggle with various illnesses. A Celebration of his life will be held at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 520 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 10:30 a.m. by the Rev. Bob Daggit. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores; a daughter, Marilyn Sue Humphrey (“Rich”); a son, Michael Thomas Usher (Kathy); four grandchildren, Jennifer Jacobson (Mark), Jason Humphrey (Danielle), Chris Usher (Letha) and Brian Usher (Nikki); and seven great-grandchildren, Parker and Kayla Jacobson, Gavin Humphrey, Zach and Ellie Rose Usher and Coleton and Caden Usher.

Also surviving are two sisters, Edith Vogt and Darlene Gogg; many nieces; a nephew; and extended family.

“Mike” was born April 26, 1928, in Ingleside, Linn County, Iowa, to Harold L. and Caroline Church Usher. He married Dolores Del Rio June Harford on Nov. 1, 1948, at First Methodist Church, Iowa City, Iowa.

“Mike” attended Wilson High School until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His tour of duty included stateside and Japan, where he played baseball and football for the U.S. Navy team. “Mike” was well known for his many years of playing baseball in the M & J League at Daniels Park and in the leagues of small towns surrounding Cedar Rapids. In 1951, he signed with the semipro baseball team known as the Cedar Rapids Raiders. Later on, he played softball for Flecks Falstaff Team which reached the world tournament in Stratford, Conn. He was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame in 1991. “Mike” was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge No. 251, and VFW Post 788.

This loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, (and a terrific left fielder) will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Military rites by VFW Post 788.

Memorials may be donated to a charity of the donor's choice in memory of “Mike.”