Forest "Harold" Ratcliff

Forest ‘Harold’ Ratcliff, 74, of California, Mo., passed away September 26, 2022, at his home, with his wife Betty and children at his side. Harold was born on November 9, 1947, in St. Louis Mo. to JW and Virginia Ratcliff. Harold was raised in Owensville, Mo. all through high school. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and served most of his enlistment at RAF Welford in England as an Air Munitions supervisor. Harold worked the bulk of his career in the electrical industry. He really excelled in electrical and mechanical engineering in the industrial automation field. His designs and programs can be found throughout the country integrated into industrial switchgear and many water treatment and pumping facilities in the southwest region of the U.S. Harold returned to Missouri in July of 2002 and operated his HVAC, electrical, and plumbing company before retiring in 2021. He was well respected and highly revered by his family, his congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ at the Kingdom Hall in California, Mo., and by his customers in California, and Jefferson City area. Harold is survived by his wife, Betty; sister, Virginia; and his brother, Gerald. Harold leaves behind seven children and four step-children, Amanda, Renee, Deana, Paul, Michelle, Tiffany, Daniel, Benjamin, Robert, Mark, and Marina. Harold has 25 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with more of both on the way. Harold was preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler; his son, Kenneth; brothers John, Perry, and Donald; sister, Mary; and his mother and father. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12, at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 62290 Hwy. 50, California, MO 65108. A gathering will be held right after at 3:00 p.m. at the California Nutrition Center.