Donald Ray Harris was born August 2, 1929, in Bristow, Oklahoma, to Arthur J. and Beulah (Jones) Harris. He died Friday, October 31, 2014, in Grove, Oklahoma, at the age of 85 years. He was reared and educated in Bristow and was a graduate of Bristow High School. Don was a veteran of the armed forces having served his country as a staff sergeant with the 45th Infantry Division during World War II, then again as staff sergeant with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was married in 1963 in Claremore, Oklahoma, to Virginia Ruth Goodrich. He was self-employed for most of his working life. At one time, he owned a salvage yard in Dewey, Oklahoma. He owned and operated a Gibble Gas Station and convenience store in Inola, Oklahoma. He maintained a herd of dairy cattle on what he called “his section of land” near Peggs, Oklahoma. Don also dealt in real estate and helped develop much of the property on Highway 20 east of Owasso. He was a firm believer in working hard to achieve your dreams and accomplished most everything he aspired to. He was an avid fan of the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane football and basketball teams. He had a seat on the 50 yard line at Skelley Stadium for many years. He loved to hunt, fish, and read his Western books.
Loving family members include: Brother; Raymond Harris and his wife Aida, of Tulsa Sister; Darlene Russell and her husband Tony, of Grove, Oklahoma Step-son; Robert Hendershot and his wife Darlene, of Peoria, Arizona Granddaughter; Kenneth Marshall, of Owasso Crystal Bilby, of Owasso Nieces; Ricci Bible Pamela Vest Sherry Kirby Cindy Gipson Christy O’Kelly Nephews; Donny Harris Raymond Harris Monte Russell He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ruth, her son, Kenneth S. Marshall, three brothers, Bob Harris, Eugene, and A.J. Harris, sister, Elaytha Calvert, and step-mother, Ethel Harris. He was also a friend to many and never met a stranger.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2014, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral services will be held 2:00 Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso with Pastor Tracey Morgan officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Bobby Sligar, Damion Sligar, Tony Russell, and Kenneth Marshall. Committal services and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
