Harold Robert Topping

Harold Topping was born on Nov 22, 1926 in Denver, Colorado to Harry and Phoebe Topping of Denver. He was a 4th generation Coloradoan. Harold and his parents were led to the Lord Jesus Christ through the South Clayton Mission when he was about 10 years of age.
Harold attended Denver Christian School through the 10th grade when, due to the draft, the family needed him to work as a ranch hand on his Uncle Harold's ranch in Byers, CO. He learned the duties of running a ranch including roping, branding, planting harvesting, and working land with both horses and tractors.
On the ranch, he harvested and sold coyote pelts to the military for use as lining in WWII airmen's jackets. With the money he earned he proudly bought his first gun.
Harold was drafted into the Army on April 9, 1945 and served in the Pacific Front, 99th Field and Artillery Battalion, headquartered in Japan. He was a Rifleman, Radio Operator, Tec 4 Radio Repairman, and Tec 5 Lineman for Telephone and Telegraph. Harold served as Military Police, keeping the peace and protecting Japanese monuments, achieving the rank of Sergeant. (A first hand interview is available at Witness To War https://www.witnesstowar.org/index.php/combat_Stories/WWII/4994 ) Harold was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal, the WWII Victory medal, and the Army of Occupation medal.
After his honorable discharge from military service he settled into his 35 year career at Mountain Bell Telephone Company, starting as a Lineman and ending in Central Office management. He spent many lunch hours playing Ping-Pong with fellow employees.
On September 1st, 1950, Harold married Viola Schoolland of Alamosa, CO. Together they made their home in Southeast Denver and raised four daughters: Sheryl, Sue, Lynda, and Lynette.
Harold re-dedicated his life to the Lord at a Billy Graham crusade in 1964. His love for God prompted him to be a leader in Boy's Cadets, Sunday school, Bible studies, and youth camps. He shared his expert knowledge by teaching riflery and archery skills as a camp counselor. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, rock collecting, woodworking, horses, Christmas, camping, photography, trains and...shenanigans.
He also loved music. He taught himself the drum and saxophone and, with Viola, started the Denver Concert Band in their home in 1963. The band still exists today with about 90 members.
Upon his retirement from Ma Bell, Harold and Viola traveled as a couple, exploring all over the world. In his retirement, he was proud to be filmed in the 1993 Hollywood movie Geronimo; An American Legend, riding as part of the steam train crew.
Harold and Viola had the privilege of celebrating 46 years of marriage. Viola passed away in 1996. A few years later he met and married Virginia Collins. Virginia passed away on January 2, 2020.
Harold was still living in his own home when a rapid illness took his life. Harold passed away on January 22, 2020. He is survived by his daughters Sherry, Sue, Lynda, Lynette and their husbands, eleven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Visitation 8:00-10:00 am, Funeral Service 10:00 am, both at Southern Gables Church, 4001 South Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton, CO 80123. Graveside Service 12:00 pm, Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

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Funeral Service: January 30, 2020 10:00 am

Southern Gables Church
4001 So. Wadsworth Boulevard
Lakewood, CO 80123
303-986-1527

Graveside Service: January 30, 2020 12:00 pm

Ft. Logan National Cemetery
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235