Donald E. Harris

Donald Eugene Harris, 82, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2020, surrounded by his family at Brookdale McPherson. Don retired from Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance where he was an IT Systems Manager.

Don was born on April 25, 1938, in Humboldt, KS, the son of Elmer Craven and Mildred Orene (Murphy) Harris. He graduated from Clearwater High School in 1956 and attended Wichita State University and Wichita School of Business. On July 4, 1959, Don was united in marriage to Rosemarie Knebel in Grant, NE.

He served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1956 to 1957. Don was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, McPherson Optimist Club, McPherson Chamber of Commerce, McPherson Kiwanis Club, and the McPherson Rotary Club. In Don’s later years, he devoted much of his time to the Pro-Life Movement and The Lord’s Diner in Wichita.

Don was passionate about traveling with his wife on extended vacations after they retired, which included trips abroad and heading out west in the RV.

Survivors include: his loving wife of 60 years, Rosemarie of the home; five children, Kevin Harris (Terri) of Lindsborg, KS, Cheryl Gorges (Jeff) of Goddard, KS, Jenny Avila (John) of McPherson, KS, Krista Arrojo (Tony) of Terre Haute, IN, and Sonja Sawatzky (Toney Smith) of Hesston, KS; a sister, Barbara Hull of Hillsboro, KS; 18 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday, June 26, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rosary beginning at 2:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:30 PM with Father Benjamin Shockey officiating. Private family burial will be in the McPherson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church or The Lord’s Diner in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald E. Harris please visit our Sympathy Store.