Recordpub.com - Donald R. Harris, Jr.

Donald R. Harris, Jr., 52, a life long resident of Garrettsville passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2008. Born July 3, 1956 in Ravenna, Ohio, he was a son of Donald R. Harris Sr. of Garrettsville and the late Georgia Lee (Colton) Harris. He is survived by his wife, Sue and daughters, Melisa (Jesse) Fogleman and Makenna Harris; and granddaughters, Khaily and Katelyn all of Garrettsville. Also surviving are his brother, William Harris, and sister, Debbie (Frank) Klouda and nieces, Samantha and Tabitha all of Nelson, and an uncle to several. He was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia Lee; brother, Jim Harris and step-mother, Gerry Harris. Don served in the Ohio National Guard 107th Armored Cavalry from March of 1979 to March of 1985 as a Staff Sergeant Recovery Specialist. He became a firefighter in 1974 and served as fire chief from 1998 to Aug. 6, of 2005. He was one of the original founders of the Garrettsville Ambulance Company in 1975 in the family home. He was active in the Garrettsville, Freedom, Nelson Joint Fire Dept., the Portage County Fire Chiefs Assoc., the Northeast Ohio Fire Chiefs Assoc., International Assoc. of Fire Chiefs #44193, he was an arson investigator, a member of the Portage County Haz Mat Team, and was a Master Mason of Masonic Lodge #246. Don was employed as an over the road truck driver at Transport National. Private visitation and services have been held for family and friends with Pastor Roger Norton officiating. Burial with full military honors has been held at Park Cemetery, Garrettsville. "When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left." ~Sufi epigram In honor of Don, contributions may be made to the Donald R. Harris Jr. Memorial Fund, c/o any Middlefield Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com (Mallory-Dehaven-Carlson Funeral Home 330-527-2188 RC 09/30/08)