Harry V. Poynter, 84, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Harry was born in Kentucky in 1941 and grew up in Lewis County near the Ohio River. Always striving to better himself and pursue new opportunities, he enlisted in the US Air Force in 1959. He began his military career as an enlisted airman and later earned a commission as an officer. During his years of service, he was stationed at locations including Japan, Colorado, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Missouri. He retired from the Air Force in 1980.
While stationed in Denver, Colorado, Harry met Mavis, and the couple married in 1965. They were blessed with two children, Kevin and Tina. Following his retirement from military service, Harry and Mavis settled in Knob Noster, Missouri, where they raised their family and became active members of the community.
Harry was involved in First Community Church of Knob Noster, local schools, and numerous civic organizations. His dedication to the community was recognized in 1989 when he was named Knob Noster’s Citizen of the Year.
Continuing his lifelong commitment to education and personal achievement, Harry attended Central Missouri State University, where he earned two master’s degrees. He later joined the university faculty as a professor and eventually became head of the MBA program in the accounting department.
Harry was instrumental in helping students pursue opportunities in international business, particularly through the university’s relationship with Maastricht in the Netherlands. His work helped strengthen international educational connections and contributed to the development of the Friendship Tower on what is now the University of Central Missouri campus.
Travel was one of Harry’s great pleasures, and he enjoyed sharing those experiences with his family. Whether traveling across the United States or exploring other countries, he welcomed opportunities to see new places and experience different cultures. He set a personal goal of visiting all 50 states by the age of 50, an accomplishment he proudly achieved.
Survivors include his wife, Mavis Poynter; a daughter, Tina (Terry) Hawks; a son, Kevin Poynter; six grandchildren, Ashlee (Bryen) Tharman, Zachary Price, Brandon (Emily) Price, Eric Price, Emily Poynter, and Austin Poynter; two step-grandchildren, Cody (Emilee) Hawks and Chandler (Kadie) Hawks; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Kay Moran; and a brother, Rodney Poynter. He also leaves behind many friends and family members in the Black Oak community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Lizzie Poynter; a sister, Shirley Gearty; and a brother, Frenchie Poynter.
A celebration of life for Harry Poynter will be held in November, with arrangements to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the UCM Foundation, designated for the Harry Poynter Memorial at Harmon College.
