Loyd Van Harris

Loyd Van Harris was born on April 11, 1932, in Shannon, Texas, to Arthur Lee and Lillie Mae (Hargrove) Harris. He grew up and attended high school in the Jack County Texas area. Loyd served in the U.S. Army from December 1952 through December 1954. He attained the rank of Corporal and served as a cook on an Air Force supply ship that ferried supplies between Seattle, Washington and Barrow, Alaska.

Loyd worked for Phillips Petroleum Company for 38 years with 10 years in the oil fields and 28 years at the research center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He retired in 1990 as a Research Associate.

Loyd met the love of his life, Beatrice Bolos, on New Year's 1954. They were married on May 1, 1954. They built a wonderful life together, raising four wonderful children, 12 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.

Loyd is survived by his wife, Bea Harris of the home. Also surviving are their four children: Rita (Harris) Kuntz (David), Bryon Harris (Tish), Rhonda (Harris) Long, and Brad Harris. He is survived by all 12 grandchildren and all 20 great grandchildren. Loyd was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: D.C., Lavon, Billy, and Johney Lee. He is survived by his sister Barbara.

Loyd was a member for over 50 years of Oak Park United Methodist Church and the Methodist Men's Club. He served as chair of the Trustees, treasurer, nursery, and staff-parish relations for the church. He was also a lifetime member of Disabled Veteran Affairs and a member of The American Legion Post 105.

Loyd was active in the Bartlesville little league baseball program, including helping to build one of the baseball fields at Price Field. He also worked with the players as a team father, coach, and manager. Loyd also had a love for traveling, cruising, golfing (he even had a hole in one at Sunset Country Club hole #3), and bowling.

Gardening was Loyd's passion. Family could always depend on home-grown tomatoes, okra, onions, and strawberries, among others.

Loyd's family will receive friends on Thursday, November 13th, from 6:30-8 p.m., at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville. Visitation will also be held the same day from 10-8.

Services will be held on Friday, November 14th at 10 a.m., at Oak Park Methodist Church. Interment will be at 1 p.m. in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.