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Donald D. Harris

April 01, 2026

Donald D. Harris

Donald Delbert Harris, 88, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at his son’s home in Vermilion.

He was born November 25, 1937, in Norwalk to Edwin E. and Corinne (Kelly-Downing) Harris. During his youth, he and his siblings spent time at the Norwalk Children’s Home, an experience that helped shape his resilience and strong work ethic. Donald graduated from Milan High School in 1958. During his school years, he worked at the Milan Dari Bar, Ray Reed’s service station, and as a plasterer for his foster father, Hank Behrendsen. He began his long career as a pressman with Clevite, later Gould and Tenneco, where he worked from 1959 until his retirement in 1999.

Donald had a lifelong interest in engines and automotive repair. He enjoyed welding and repainting cars and was always willing to lend his skills to help coworkers and friends. Above all, he was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. He gave generously of his time to the Norwalk Lefty Grove youth baseball league, serving for many years as both a coach and umpire. He often quietly paid fees for players from families in need, ensuring every child had the opportunity to play.

He is survived by his daughter, Christina Keller of Willard; his son, Jim (Connie) Harris of Vermilion; grandsons John Jeremay, Jason Bouck, Chad Bouck, and Darren Henry; granddaughters Holly Harris and Heather Harris; sisters Martha Rice and Margaret Webb; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Harris in 1999; daughter, Corinne Henry in 1999; son, Daniel Harris in 2020; sister, Dorthea Hester; brothers, Jack Harris and Elmer Harris; niece, Sandy Loyer; and numerous half-siblings on both the Harris and Downing sides.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. until time of service at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron with pastor Rick Kennison officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.

In lieu of contributions, the family humbly asks that you offer a kind word or perform a kind deed for a stranger in Donald’s memory.

 

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Donald D. Harris

Donald Delbert Harris, 88, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at his son’s home in Vermilion.

He was born November 25, 1937, in Norwalk to Edwin E. and Corinne (Kelly-Downing) Harris. During his youth, he and his siblings spent time at the Norwalk Children’s Home, an experience that helped shape his resilience and strong work ethic. Donald graduated from Milan High School in 1958. During his school years, he worked at the Milan Dari Bar, Ray Reed’s service station, and as a plasterer for his foster father, Hank Behrendsen. He began his long career as a pressman with Clevite, later Gould and Tenneco, where he worked from 1959 until his retirement in 1999.

Donald had a lifelong interest in engines and automotive repair. He enjoyed welding and repainting cars and was always willing to lend his skills to help coworkers and friends. Above all, he was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. He gave generously of his time to the Norwalk Lefty Grove youth baseball league, serving for many years as both a coach and umpire. He often quietly paid fees for players from families in need, ensuring every child had the opportunity to play.

He is survived by his daughter, Christina Keller of Willard; his son, Jim (Connie) Harris of Vermilion; grandsons John Jeremay, Jason Bouck, Chad Bouck, and Darren Henry; granddaughters Holly Harris and Heather Harris; sisters Martha Rice and Margaret Webb; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Harris in 1999; daughter, Corinne Henry in 1999; son, Daniel Harris in 2020; sister, Dorthea Hester; brothers, Jack Harris and Elmer Harris; niece, Sandy Loyer; and numerous half-siblings on both the Harris and Downing sides.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. until time of service at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron with pastor Rick Kennison officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.

In lieu of contributions, the family humbly asks that you offer a kind word or perform a kind deed for a stranger in Donald’s memory.

 

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