Robert W. Harris

Robert W. Harris

Bob, as most people knew him, passed away peacefully a few days after celebrating his 98th birthday with his family. His birthday celebration brought the family together from around the country for decades. Robert was born in Lockport, NY to the late John ("Jack") Howard and Mary Pettit Harris, who passed away in 1989 (age 102) and 1987 (age 96), respectively. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth, who passed away in 1984 and stepson, Rick Scheuer, who passed away in 2012. In 1943 Robert married Marian Hope Cutland, who passed away in 1999. This union produced three children, Alix, John, and Eric. In 2000 Robert found love again and married Carolyn Scheuer. They enjoyed 16 happy years before Carolyn passed away in 2015. Robert is survived by daughter Alix Bowers and husband Ralph of Bay City, TX; sons John and Eric, both of Seattle, WA; granddaughter Alissa Evans and husband Mike of Elizabeth, CO; grandson Brady Bowers of Bay City, TX; grandson Cody Bowers of Austin, TX; great granddaughter Justien Evans of Pueblo, CO; great grandson Jace Evans of Seaside, CA; stepdaughter Randi Mezich and husband Pete of Seattle, WA; step granddaughter Whitney Hamill and husband Alex of Coeur d'Alene, ID; step grandson Derek Mezich of Seattle, WA; and niece Pat Tyler and husband Owen of Granbury, TX. Robert maintained family ties with extended family members including Tim and Ginger Franey of Shoreline, WA; Steve and Christine Franey of Seattle, WA; Chris and C.J. Franey of La Quinta, CA; Leanne Chamberlin of Salinas, CA; and Judy and Don Glenn of Bakersfield, CA.

Robert spent his early childhood in New York and Florida, then moved to southern California. He was initially home schooled until entering public school in the 6th grade in Los Angeles. He excelled in science and math. He attended Chaffey Junior College and UCLA until entering the U.S. Army Air Forces Aviation Cadet Training Program in 1942. In 1943 he was piloting B17 missions over Germany with the 91st Bomber Group from Bassingbourn, England. On November 2, 1944 he was shot down over Germany during his 29th mission and became a prisoner of war until liberated by the allies. Robert distinguished himself as a pilot, nuclear weapons officer, unit commander, and senior headquarters staff officer until retiring as a Colonel in 1972. He received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star (BSS), Air Force Longevity Service Award with 5 OLCs, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 BSSs, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Robert proudly served his country and made critical contributions to the USAF and the U.S. nuclear weapons program. Robert spent his last years in Seattle where he built a fabulous home with help from his sons John and Eric, managed personal affairs for his sister-in-law, Virginia Franey Sears, all the while enjoying a second career with Crown Zellerbach and Eriksen Marine Equipment.

Those who met him quickly realized his intelligence and thoughtfulness. He had a knack for making strangers feel comfortable around him and was quick to compliment the ladies. Thank you Robert for helping to make everyday life a better experience.

Robert will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery on January 20, 2016. Memorial services will be held at Magnolia Lutheran Church, 2414 31st Ave W in Seattle on January 21 at 1:00pm. Memorials in his name may be made to his favorite charity, World Vision (800-509-9716).