Leland Howard Harris, 83, of Fairfield passed at 7:08AM on July 12, 2019 at St Vincent’s Hospital in Evansville IN. He was born June 24, 1936 in Boyleston, IL, to Hershel and Clara (Tabor) Harris. After the passing of his Mother Clara, Hershel married May (Schott) Harris.
Leland married Lois (Isle) Harris on July 11, 1962 and had 5 children Diana, Leland Jr, Arne, William and Katharine. Leland was a proud service member of the United States Airforce. He was stationed in Hawaii, London, and Salina, Kansas. He has lived in Boyleston, IL; Fairfield, IL; Rockford, IL; and Doniphan, MO. Leland worked for Valspar paints for 25 years as a Maintenance Engineer, and also for Vanex Paints, Rays Lawn, and Tom’s Welding. Leland was a jack of all trades and a very skilled welder. He was a go to guy when someone needed something created.
Survivors include his wife Lois Harris of Fairfield; children- Diana Hampton of Fairfield, Arne Harris of Fairfield, William and Becky Harris of Fairfield and Katherine and Mike (Vaughan) Tondini of Jacksonville FL; brother Ray Harris of Mill Shoals; and a stepsister Mildred Walker of Geff; 8 Grandchildren- Beth, Jonathon, Junior, Andy, Justton, Kelley, William, and Myka; 9 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Leland was preceded in death by his parents Hershel and Clara Harris and May Harris; Infant son Leland Jr, great grandchild Axten; Son-in-Law Earnie Hampton; his brothers and sisters Ruby, Harvey, Dorothy, Robert, Louise, Brenda and stepbrothers and sisters- Harry, Leroy and Irene.
Funeral services for Leland Harris will be at 2PM on Friday July 19, 2019 at Richland Church in Boyleston with burial in Richland Cemetery with full military rites provided by the Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. Visitation will be from 1PM until the time of service at the church. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.