Memorial services for Neil Milton Harris, 95, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
He was born October 4, 1921 to George W. and Susan (McGee) Harris in Lawrence, KS.
He grew up in rural Douglas County with his siblings George Thomas, Wilna Mae, Glenn Lester (Pete), Edward Paul, Laura (Nancy), and James. His youngest brother James born in 1929 died at the age of 4.
He attended several rural grade schools and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1941.
He attended Kansas University a short time before enlisting in the Army Airforce. He served during WW II from July 1942 to November 1945. He completed basic training in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was based in Burma during the war. He was discharged from the service with the rank of Staff Sargent.
He completed solo pilot training in October 1947 and Line pilot in February 1948.
Neil married Marion Ella Dowers October 1, 1941 in Leavenworth, Kansas. They shared over 60 years of marriage. She preceded him in death November 27, 2005.
After returning from the war he worked at Sunflower and for a contractor in Kansas City building homes.
He eventually started his own business building and remodeling homes in Lawrence. In 1972 he joined his son Bo as co-owner of Harris Construction Company.
When he retired Neil and Marion built a second home is Estes Park, Colorado where they enjoyed spending six months during late spring to early fall. They enjoyed friends and social outings both in Kansas and Colorado.
After the death of Marion after her battle with cancer, he adjusted by getting out with friends and family and enjoyed Thursday nights at the American Legion. He loved the big band music of the 40’s and enjoyed dancing.
He is survived by his three children Claudia (Dale) Flory, Bo (Jane) Harris, Mike (Crystal) Harris;
Seven grandchildren: Lance (Jill) and Brett (Michelle) Flory, Toland ( Garreth) Hippe, Jessica ( Eric) Wolking, Adam Harris, Hunter (Annie) Harris, and Hannah ( Zac) Towns, and 10 great grandchildren: Austin and Mason Flory, Brooke Cooper, Haley, Parker and Walker Hippe , August and Harper Wolking, Hayes and Hill Harris, sister Nancy Schaffert and nephews and nieces.
His life was well lived. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 14, Lawrence, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
We are very sorry to hear about Neil’s passing. I always appreciated his time teaching me the construction ropes and his hospitality when my family visited him and Marion in Estes Park. He was a big influence on my life and career. God bless him and all of his family.
Claudia, Bo & Mike…..you certainly have reason to celebrate your dads life! Reaching 95 is an amazing feat. I think we ALL should start having a bowl of cornflakes before bedtime!
It worked for Neil. Barb Perry
Sincere Condolences To The Harris Family,
I hope you have peace, comfort and strength to face the days ahead. And loving cherish memories to carry you through this sad time. With Hope, Comfort & Kindness,
My most sincere condolences for the whole Harris extended family. Neil and I met in 1962 when he was doing a remodeling I designed for a home in Lawrence. We developed a great friendship that I treasure. He was a great counselor to an young person that was not dry behind the ears. I, like you, will miss him greatly.
I was saddened to learn of Neil’s passing. He and Marion and my parents, Jack and Margarett Starkey, were good friends for many, many years. Neil was part of our family. He is now joined with Marion and with Our Lord, for which we are thankful. He will, however, be missed here. Memories of his dry sense of humor and his teasing back and forth with my dad will bring me comfort. God’s Peace to you all, Claudia, Bo, and Mike, and your families.
Sending my love to your family as you say good-bye to your father & grandfather. He was a part of the greatest generation that we’ll always respect and admire.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. When I think of Neil, I smile. I always enjoyed being around him, and I’m glad he was a part of my life. May your memories of him bring peace to your hearts.
My sympathy to the Harris family. I remember Neil from my childhood when he did work at my parents house. I was just a little kid and probably a nuisance but always enjoyed it when he was there. Peewee Garrett
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Neil; our prayers for him and for you all.
To Mike and the rest of the Harris family you have my condolences for the loss of a great man . I never had the honor of meeting Mr Harris , but Mike always spoke about him with great respect and admiration.
To the Harris Family; We are so sorry for your loss. What little I was around him, he was a delightful man. God bless, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time. Please know that we are keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.