Harold Merle Elson, 91, died Feb. 2, 2026. He was born Sept. 11, 1934, in Peoria, to Jim and Nola Elson. He was the youngest of their eight children.
He graduated from Tolleson Union High School in 1953, after which he joined the US Army. The Army sent him to signal school to become an equipment repairman. After leaving the army, he was recruited by AT&T and given a choice of locations to work. He chose Holbrook. This is where he met the love of his life Marian. They were married June 23, 1956. They’ve been Holbrook residents ever since.
After a 33-year career with AT&T, they decided to purchase and run the Big A auto parts store in Holbrook for several years. Not wanting to fully retire after selling the Big A, they decided to purchase, refurbish and run a laundromat. After many years of running the laundromat, they finally decided to retire. During retirement Harold loved spending time fishing on Lake Powell and being with friends and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, all siblings and his eldest son, Lawrence.
He is survived by his wife, Marian; two sons, Philip (Jeannean) of Taylor and Mark of California; grandchildren, Brett Elson of South Dakota, Melanie Elson of Colorado and Stephen Elson of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Amanda Elson and Angel Elson of Tucson.
Services will be held at the Holbrook Elks Lodge at 1 p.m., on Saturday, March 21, with a potluck to follow.
