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Ed Harris Obituary
Ed was born May 17, 1919, in Royalton, the son of Edward and Charlotte (Smith) Harris. They owned and operated Model Department Store and moved to West Frankfort in the first year of the Great Depression. They started Harris Supply on Main Street in West Frankfort, and the business operated later as Harris, Inc. until 2010.
Ed was a fighter pilot, serving with the 459th Fighter Squadron in both China and India. He flew the P-38 Lockheed Lighting. He flew many missions against the Japanese to protect the country he loved.
Ed was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his many trips to Reelfoot Lake with his friends, Les Hill and Harry Yates, and his son, Ted.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo Harris of West Frankfort; cherished stepdaughter, Karen Yesinkus of Tratham, N.H.; and his son, Ted Harris of West Frankfort.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ed was a member of First Christian Church in West Frankfort, American Legion of Orient and VFW of West Frankfort. He served during World War II in the Army Air Corps.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, in Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort, with Jason Ishmael officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with military rites by Orient and Zeigler American Legions, VFW of West Frankfort and Military Honors Team of Marion. Visitation will be after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (www.fallenheroesfund.org), National Rifle Association (www.nrahq.org) or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information or to sign the guest register, visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ed Harris
Toby & Gay Bennett
January 26, 2012
To the Family of Ed Harris, My husband, Toby Bennet thought the world of Ed, he could talk to a tree stump but loved spending time talking to Ed. You can bet if he was home he was going to go see Ed, the last time he saw him he said he thought Ed was bothered by him seeing him in the shape he was in. When he came home last week he told me that Ed passed away, with tears in his eyes told me that Ed had passed away. I am so sorry for your loss, just wanted to let you know Toby and I are thinking of you all at this time of sorrow.
Linda Archione
January 26, 2012
Ted, I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. He is a wonderful man. Linda (Kelley) Archione
Jack & Martha Galli
January 26, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss, I will always remember Ed as such a Gentleman and a pillar of West Frankfort Society.
Pam (Ezell) Kolodziej
January 25, 2012
Sorry to hear of Ed's passing. Ed and Mary Jo had a way of making me feel very special every time I went in the dress shop. Thinking of your family.
Ruth Masters Kelton
January 25, 2012
Sorry to hear of your Dad passing. You were a good son. I always enjoyed visiting with him in the store when the kids were growing up. He will be missed. You have great memories to cherish.
Mary Lou Hogg
January 25, 2012
Ted, so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I loved coming in the store, he was always a true gentleman and a very good salesman, I would always leave the store with a bag full of clothes on approval. May God comfort you during this time.
John & Sue Doyon
January 25, 2012
Karen, we are so sorry about your step-father's passing and wish you and your family the very best in coping with this huge loss.
Vicki Rowland
January 25, 2012
Ted, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Ed was a class act & great business man. Harris' was known throughout Southern IL. & I have so many wonderful memories of those days with him. He was one in a million. My heart goes out to you & Mary Jo. You both shall remain in my thoughts & prayers.
Jim Allen
January 24, 2012
Mary Jo and Karen Sorry to hear about Ed's passing what a great guy I always enjoyed being around. May God comfort you during this time.
Leslie Hill-Hampleman
January 24, 2012
Ted, so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Ed and my dad go back a long way.
January 24, 2012
Ted, we are so sorry for your loss. Ed was one a long time business man well known on Main Street and West Frankfort will miss him. Take comfort in your memories and know that you have been a great son and always there for your Dad. Take care, we'll be here for you. Robbie, Peggy & Shauna Stanley.
Stephanie Layman
January 24, 2012
My prayers are with all of you. I have such wonderful memories shopping at your place.
January 24, 2012
Ted, so sorry for your loss. Ed was a special man to West Frankfort and will be greatly missed. You have also been a loving son who took great care of his father. Take care and we'll be here for you. Robbie, Peggy & Shauna Stanley.
John Crawford
January 24, 2012
Ed was one of the best men that I have had the pleasure in knowing in life. I still revere the memories and stories that he shared with me. Thank you Mr. Harris for being the person you are and always will be to me.
Misty Jovi
January 23, 2012
Ted, So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Loved coming into Harris' and seeing him sitting in the chair. He was always so friendly. You guys kept me looking great when I worked and kept my daughter looking great after she was born.
Denise Wright
January 23, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Marsha Pappas
January 23, 2012
Ed was a wonderful,warm and first class businessman. You do not find many like him anymore. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jill "Colvin" Bauer
January 23, 2012
Ted and Mary Jo: I'm so sorry to hear this. I will always remember how much I loved going to Harris' on my lunch hour and having Ed send my out the door with a bag full of beautiful clothes on "approval.". He knew I'd keep everything. What a good businessman and friend. He will be missed
Beth Eisenhauer
January 23, 2012
Sorry for your loss..
Beth (Hill) Eisenhauer
Ed & Jill Blades
January 23, 2012
So sorry for your loss....Ed was such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you....
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Parker-Reedy Funeral Home604 East Main Street, West Frankfort, IL 62896
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