Harold Mason Poland, Sr., 73, of Beaumont, died Sunday, August 9, 2009, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2009, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange with Bryan Teagle officiating.

Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange.

Visitation will be 7:00-10:00 p.m. Wednesday, also at the funeral home.

Harold Mason Poland was born on August 31, 1935, in Huntington, Texas. He graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in Orange, Texas in 1953. He attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas from 1953-1957, transferring to Abilene Christian College from which he received his B.S. in Bible 1959 and M.S. Religious Education. 1972

His preaching ministry began in Meade, Kansas in 1959, and continued through 35 years in many states including Kansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas and Colorado. He led mission campaigns in the Caribbean, Bahamas and New Zealand. His work in Trinidad resulted in the establishment of the church and School of Preaching in San Fernando. He taught at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. He spoke at Lectureships in many states through the years including New York City, Mexico City and Puerto Rico.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Poland of Beaumont; daughter, Sharon Joy Pickrell of Ft. Collins, Colorado; sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Brittany Poland of Erie, Colorado and Scott and Susie Poland of Ft. Collins, Colorado; grandchildren, Zach Pickrell, Josh Pickrell, Cassie Poland, Cody Parkin and Jett Mosqueda; brother, George Poland of Orange; former wife, Judy Poland; and as well as several step children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boles/Medina Children's Home, 21300 State Hwy 16 North, Medina, Texas 78055 or Eastern European Missions, P.O. Box 90755, Houston, Texas 77290.