Harry Howard Eiler died Monday, March 24, 2008, at his home in McCook. He was 83 years old.

Harry was born to Harry Howard and Lena (Reasnor) Eiler on March 2, 1925, on the family farm near Oberlin. He graduated from Decatur County High School in 1943. On Sept. 8, 1944, he entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 15, 1946, and was awarded the Purple Heart.

On March 2, 1949, on his birthday, he was united in marriage to Beverly Hope VanVleet, which was also her birthday. They were married at her parent's home in Danbury. To this union two sons were born. They made their home in McCook. In 1959, Harry became part owner and operator of the West Sale Barn with Chet Youngs. He was instrumental in the business as an auctioneer of which he was self-taught. He retired in 1991 and continued to work as an order buyer of cattle for many farmers and ranchers.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church, National Auctioneers Association, National Livestock Market Association, McCook Elks Lodge, Veteran's of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He also served on the Community Hospital Board and Hospital Foundation Board for eight years and served as Ag president of Chamber of Commerce for many years. While he was an auctioneer, Harry volunteered his time to the Hayes and Red Willow County 4-H sales for 40 years.

In Harry's free time he loved to watch the birds in his yard, visit with his friends on the phone, spend time in his garden growing tomatoes, and most of all he loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Robert and Floyd Eiler; and two sisters, Margaret Hurlbut and Pauline Loomis.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Beverly Eiler of McCook; two sons, W. Lamoine Eiler and wife, Lisa of Portland, Ore., and Mark Eiler and wife, Kathleen of McCook; one sister, Phyllis and husband, Dole Metcalf of Oberlin; six grandchildren, Laci and husband, Jake Mueller, Barrett Eiler, Aaron Purvis and wife, Jill, Tony Purvis and Hollie and Erik Eiler; two great-grandchildren, Maxwell and Ella Muellar; and close family friend, Marty Newcomb and wife, Barbara of New Jersey.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Community Hospital Health Foundation.

Visitation is today until 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. The family will greet friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be Thursday, 10 a.m., at Tri-State Livestock Sale Barn, McCook with Pastor Steve Bales officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.