Harold Adolph Obenhaus (Plainview)

Harold was born to Adolph and Agnes Obenhaus at their farmhouse east of Kress, Texas, on June 23, 1939. Welcomed, spoiled, and often tormented by four older sisters, he quickly developed a lifelong passion for farming, machinery, and craftsmanship. He loved the land deeply, had a nurturing soul, and a sense of humor that instantly put others at ease. Confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church as a young boy, Harold dedicated much of his adult life to serving the church and leading Bible studies. He was a man of quiet integrity who loved Jesus with all his heart.

Harold attended school in Kress, where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Ruth Lea Barton. Their love story began when Ruth moved to Kress in the 8th grade. Harold asked who the new girl was and was told by a friend, “That’s my girlfriend”. With that declaration, he assumed she was off the market and wouldn’t ask her out. A year later, after a KHS pep rally, Ruth made the first move by introducing herself in the auditorium. That conversation launched a beautiful relationship that would span over 68 years. After graduating with the Kress High School class of 1957, Harold married Ruth on June 1, 1958.

They began their life together farming east of Kress while Harold also worked at Rogers Garage. They soon welcomed three children: Richard, Rhonda, and Rodger. In 1966, the family moved west of Kress to the Center Plains community to continue farming. Harold deeply valued family and believed laughter was the best medicine; his daughter fondly remembers that even when he was upset, he quickly forgave and always left them smiling.

Always a child at heart, Harold turned the farm into a welcoming haven for neighborhood youth. He dug a massive tailwater pit that became the area’s premier “country club,” complete with catfish, a floating dock, and a custom-built outhouse. Every afternoon at 4:00 pm, local teenagers would pause their farm chores to gather at the beloved swimming hole. For years, the Obenhaus family hosted an annual 4th of July celebration bringing together church and community friends, reflecting Harold’s unwavering devotion to faith, family, and fellowship. He was a dependable neighbor, a caring father, grandfather, and a devoted husband.

Harold had 10 grandchildren and he loved having them tag along on the farm—whether riding on the tractor or combine, changing water, or playing in an old equipment pile they affectionately dubbed "the family fun park." He delighted in baking them morning biscuits, stingily sharing his Nutter Butters, and building enduring, individual relationships with each grandchild, his 27 great-grandchildren, and most recently a great-great-granddaughter. He made every family member feel uniquely cherished, often reminding them, “I love you; you are very special—do you know that?”

In 1996, Harold and Ruth moved to Plainview. While he continued farming, Harold discovered a profound calling when he joined the Gideons International Prison Ministry. For over 20 years, he preached the Gospel in area prisons, steadfast in his belief that God's word could transform hurting lives and eager to share the gift of grace. His family equally cherished his annual Christmas messages, where he openly shared how Christ had touched his life.

In their later years, Harold and Ruth remained side by side, traveling across the United States and visiting every state except Florida. Together, they served the congregation of Harvest Christian Fellowship as greeters and in their cafe with a warm cup of coffee. They gathered priceless memories, made lifelong friends, and attended countless family birthdays, graduations, and weddings. Harold leaves behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories that will bless generations to come.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph “Buddy” and Agnes Obenhaus; sisters, Evelyn Obemueller, Sylvia Abbot, Bernita Measles and Dolores Obemueller; and his grandson, Landon Kyle Obenhaus.

Harold is survived by his wife, Ruth Lea Obenhaus of Plainview; daughter Rhonda Bain and husband Ronnie of Kress; sons, Richard Obenhaus and wife Carrie of Lubbock, Rodger Obenhaus and wife Rhonda of Amarillo; ten Grandchildren, twenty-seven greatgrandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

The family would like to thank the loving hands who cared for Harold over the past several years: his grandson, Damon Obenhaus, and his wife, Amanda. His daughter Rhonda Bain, his caregivers Mary Zavala, Maria Zamora, and Aracely Ginez; and Calvert Hospice. Memorials may be given in Harold’s memory to Gideon’s International.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Friday, October 2, 2026 at Kornerstone Funeral Directors in Plainview, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulia, Texas. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Harvest Christian Fellowship with Anthony Longoria officiating.