Edward L. Harris Sr.

Edward L. Harris Sr. passed away on July 13, 2021 at the age of 88. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Lou Harris nee Hodges of Wright City, Missouri; He is survived by his three sons, Edward Jr. (Sherri) Harris, David Harris, John (Kristie) Harris; three daughters, Susan (Tom) Paulauskas, Terri (Chris) Meyer, Linda (Ken) Moilanen; 11 grandchildren, Edward Harris, III, Gerald Harris, Nicholas Paulauskas, Kyle Meyer, Wil Harris, Katherine Harris, Lauren Paulauskas, Alexandra Meyer, Harley Harris, Vivian Harris, Emily Cacavas; sister, Connie (Leonard Ray- Dec) Harbison;  He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Harris, father, Leonard Harris, mother, Margaret Harris nee Bundy, grandson, Tyler Cacavas.  

Edward Leonard Harris Sr. was born 09/15/1932 in Benton, Illinois to Leonard and Margaret (Bundy) Harris. Ed was a graduate of Michigan State University and was forever a Spartan. Upon graduation from MSU Ed joined the Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet, attending flight school in Pensacola, Florida, in August of 1955. He received his Wings as a Pilot/Navigator in July 1958, and was promoted to the rank of Lt. Junior Grade. During the next 23 years of service, eight years active and 15 years in the reserves, Ed rose to the rank of Commander before leaving the service in 1978. During Ed's time in the Navy he served with numerous squadrons and traveled around the globe. Ed was briefly in Vietnam, he survived a plane crash in the Antarctic, and told numerous sea stories about his adventures. He always spoke with pride of his service, and like most veterans said he would do it all again. Ed married the love of his life, Mary Lou Hodges on September 26, 1956. He owned the Ben Franklin store in Wentzville, Missouri. Ed was a member of the Wentzville Rotary Club and received recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow. He served the Wentzville School District as a Board Member and Board President. He was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Wentzville. He was a member of the Ainad Shrine and a life long member of the Benton Masonic Lodge. Ed enjoyed duck hunting, golfing, playing cards and going out to eat. He loved to give out popcorn to friends and family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Edward L. Harris, Sr. was known by many names - Son, Eddie Lynn, Commander, Husband, Big Ed, Bad Pappy, Papaw, Dad, Baby Brother, Grandpa, and Friend. He was loved by all his family. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and was a great friend to all.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Donations can be made payable to Shriners Hospital or Wentzville Rotary Club Scholarship Fund in care of Pitman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 248, Wentzville, MO 63385

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