Harold "Hal" Council Jr.

Harold “Hal” Willard Council Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri, died Thursday, June 12, 2025. He was 83 years old.

Hal was born October 6, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee to Harold Council and Edythe Pittman. Harold was killed in World War II and Ralph Pittman became Hal’s loving, second father. Hal had two wonderful brothers: Ray Council and Chuck Pittman.

Hal met Carolyn Ruddle at Southside High School. They married his sophomore year while he was a student at Christian Brothers College, where he earned a bachelors degree in computer engineering. Hal and Carolyn raised three sons while Hal worked in the southeast U.S., working on the NASA space program with Computer Sciences and then with Monsanto. While working with Monsanto, the family relocated to St. Louis.

Hal was an avid golfer who enjoyed spending time with his beautiful wife, family and friends. He and Carolyn adored their grandchildren and spending as much time as possible with them. In his later years, Hal was a member at Concord Trinity United Methodist Church and was a grateful, supportive member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Hal is survived by his sons Ward (Mary Catherine), Wally (Elizabeth) and Steve (Julie), eight grandchildren who loved their grandad dearly: Robert, Catherine, John, Alexandra (Andres), Isabella (David), Sophia, Quinn, and Claire. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years Carolyn, parents Harold, Edythe and Ralph, his brothers Ray (Sue) and Chuck (Melody), his much-loved parents in-law, Wallace and Marjorie, a sister in-law, Debbie, brothers- in-law Richard and David, and a nephew, Sean.

A memorial celebrating Hal will be held on Saturday, June 21, at Concord Trinity United Methodist Church in south county St. Louis. Visitation begins at 10:30 am; service to follow at 11:00 am. Memorial gifts may be made to Concord Trinity UMC or Alzheimer’s Association.