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Delbert Harris

veteranJan 19th, 1934 - Mar 4th, 2021

Funeral Ceremony: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Interment: Elmwood Cemetery, Flora

Visitation: 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home

 

   Delbert “Del” E. Harris, age 87, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, passed away Thursday morning, March 4, 2021, at his home in the loving care of his wife and daughter.

   He was born January 19, 1934, in Lincoln, Illinois, the son of Herman and Pearl (Thomason) Harris.  Del and Mary Ann Vaughn were married July 9, 1967, after a whirlwind romance which ensued after a set-up by Ray and Dolores Harris (Del’s brother, married to Mary Ann’s sister) along with other events that kept bringing them together.  They quickly fell in love and shared 53 wonderful wedding anniversaries together.  They lived in St. Louis, Missouri for 50 years before moving to the slower life of the country.

   Del exemplified giftedness in many areas. He had a keen eye for design and attention to detail.  He loved to work with his hands, which reflected the excellence of his workmanship.  He served as a Foreman and Pattern Maker for a total of 55 years, starting at Carondelet Foundry and retiring in 2013 from American Steel Foundry in Granite City, Illinois. His entrepreneurial aptitude resulted in his owning several businesses.  For 15 years he and Mary Ann co-owned and operated a cleaning service called Mini-Maid. They even tried their hand at a sheet music publishing company called Del-Mar Publishing. Through another business he custom made distinct and exclusive marble designs, such as fireplaces, thresholds, and floors, for both residential and commercial properties. He also found time to run Harris Lawn Care Service.

   He enjoyed doing his own yard work, gardening, camping, swimming, photography, remodeling homes and building things for his family.  Taking after his father, he displayed great skill as a mechanic, working on his automobiles.  Another talent included his flair for cooking, and he delighted many friends and family over the years with his chef caliber meals!  As the frequent recipient, Mary Ann was the most privileged by his culinary skills.  Very active as a leader in his church, he served on the board, as an usher and as an audio technician for public services.  Del served his country as a Private First Class in the United States Army, stationed in Germany from 1962-1964 as a cook and official photographer. 

   Del is survived by his wife; Mary Ann; a daughter: Patricia Ann Harris; a son: Kyle Harris; 2 sisters Mary Jo Johnson and Nancy Matthews; a sister-in-law: Dolores Harris; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Kevin Harris; 2 sisters: Florence Hammil and Pat Hooper; 2 brothers: Charles Harris and Ray Harris; and 2 infant sisters; Joyce Harris and Donna Harris.

   A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, Illinois.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with the presentation of military funeral honors.  Visitation will be from 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com

 

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Condolences

Gina Douthit

March 9th

My deepest sympathies to the Harris family. I will always remember attending Del and MaryAnn’s wedding. May the memories and God’s peace and comfort be with you.

Harry and Linda Penry

March 9th

I remember the good times we had with Ray,Delores, and Tammy. Meeting Del and Mary Ann at Rays house. They were the gospel group The Crusaders and could they Sing. Remember the Good Times. Ray and Del are looking down on us all together

Joe King

March 10th

My deepest sympathy to the Harris and Vaughn families.

Jeff Hoepker

March 11th

My deepest sympathies to the Harris family. I worked with Del at ASF for 10 years. I learned a lot from him and he was definitely a good man.

Steve and Ruthie Welty

March 13th

We extend our deepest condolences. We can not be at the funeral, but our thoughts are with you.

Jane Moore

March 11th

So sorry to read this obituary. I have known the Harris family most of my life. My deepest sympathy to his family. Love and prayers.

Barbara Blinzig Hild

March 12th

Fondly remembering our years together with mini maid

 

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Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services

500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839

Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]

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