Carl J. Harris

Carl J. Harris, Squirrel, has climbed his last tree. Carl passed away Sept. 27, 2025, at his home in Lawton, MI surrounded by family, including his younger sister from Texas. He was born at home Dec. 18, 1933, and since then he has made quite an impact in this little area of our world.

Carl was passionate about having fun and getting joy out of the life he was given. One of the ways he had fun was to be in out in nature. He once said, “I hated having to put on shoes when I started school”; he was used to the dirt under his feet. Carl often chose nature over school. His biggest fun and joy were his family, family gatherings, surprising people, and, of course, being the center of attention.

The Squirrel often recalled fond memories of his childhood in “the sticks” of the Lawrence/Paw Paw area. One such memory is when he and his buddy, Jerry Mead, got totally covered in mud, laughed at each other then jumped in the river. Another fond memory Carl shared was about his turtle hunting, which he got his picture in the paper holding his catch. His family and friends often heard about his mom’s homemade bread and other goodies that she made. The Squirrel is well known for his storytelling.

Carl had been drafted into the Army in 1955 for a two-year tour of duty. He served at several forts, one being Forts Sill, Oklahoma. He ended up in Alaska not far from the arctic circle. Because of his experience there, he grew to love Alaska and returned when he could.

On May 21st, 1961, Carl married Barbara; they shared 62 years together. It was thought that he pursued her first, but it was her who went after him. Barbara stole his treats at work and ran off with the work rag he had in his pocket. One of their personal joys was going out in that nature he loved so much and picking flowers to display at home.

Carl was a mini entrepreneur. He had worked for businesses like Paw Paw Plating and Welch’s but always found ways to make money through making a public network and using his imagination. When he was a child, he sold worms. Later in life, he baked, made jewelry, sold stuff he had collected, had his own trash route, and eventually got into what he most was known for, tree work. Many people were amazed at his unique tree removal skills. He served people in this way from the early 1970’s up until he was in his late 80’s. Carl loved providing for his family in his own unique way. 

He is survived by his sister, Margaret Hendricks, his stepdaughter, Laura (Kendall) Whiting, daughters; Karen (Jim) Vettese, Theresa (Jeff) Skapnit, and Julie (Bill) Pierce. He was a proud grandpa of eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and one step great, great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, their infant son, Michael, his parents, Phil and Helen (Shaw) Harris, and his sister Gertrude Terry.

Memorial service will be held at the Paw Paw Seventh Day Adventist Church with visitation at 10:30 and the service at 11:30 on Oct. 26th, 2025; 60409 M-40. A luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church will follow.