Donald Lee Harris

Donald Lee Harris passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.

He was born May 9, 1932, the son of Tony and Della (Parker) Harris in Clarksburg, Missouri. He graduated from Clarksburg High School in 1950.

Don proudly served in the U.S. Marines Corps from 1952-1955 during the Korean War. After his military service, he returned to Clarksburg, Missouri, and worked at Co-Mo Electric and then Union Electric (Ameren) until his retirement in October 1990.

Don's service to his country was a source of great pride Donald L. Harris was a Sgt in the U.S. Marine. He served during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1953 in the C Company 1st Battalion, 1st Division, of the U.S. Marine Corps.

In November 1953, Don married Ella Anderson, and together they raised three children: Cindy (Rick) Varner (Nevada, MO), Karen (Paul) Keller (Grove, MO), and Donald Jamie (Valerie) Harris (California, MO). Ella preceded him in death in December 1983.

In June 1985, Don married Bertha Kiser Cooper. With their union, Bertha brought three children into the family: Loretta (Rick) Sprinkles, Lawrence (Tracy) Cooper, and Leslie (Bob) Kelley (all of Tipton, MO).

Don was a great and virtuous man, deeply loved by all who knew him. He was a kind friend to everyone and valued his friends and family tremendously. He valued his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was a member of the Fortuna Community Church. His presence brought warmth and love into the lives of those around him, and his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. Above all else, he cherished his family. Don also found joy in serving others and making a difference in his community. His commitment to others was acknowledged when he was named Tipton Citizen of the Year in 1999.

He is survived by 11 grandchildren: Brian Harris, Ellyn (Sonny) Anderson, Sarah Varner, Logan Harris, Matthew Sprinkles, Mandy Sprinkles, Emily (Jordan) Shikles, Lindsey (Travis) Smith, Megan (Sam) Lincoln, Dylan (Emily) Cooper, Lincoln Kelley, and Henry Kelley.

He was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren: Addison Vunovich, Aubrey Sprinkles, Mark Sprinkles, Luke Sprinkles, Camdyn Shikles, Finn Shikles, Allen Anderson, Maddie Smith, Brayleigh Smith, Mia Smith, Samatha Lincoln, Amelia Lincoln, and Jenson Sprinkles.

He is also survived by his sister Joy McGee (Kansas City, MO), brother Lowell (Jan) Harris (San Tan Valley, AZ), and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Ella, two daughters-in-law Paula Harris and Tina Hirst Cooper, grandson Cooper Brian Hibdon, infant brother Paul Ray, and his uncle's William and Raymond Parker who were raised like brothers.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until service time on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Fortuna Community Church. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday at the church with burial to follow in the Hickman Cemetery near Clarksburg. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corps, and the Tipton American Legion Edgar Cole Post 304. Pallbearers will be Rick Sprinkles, Matthew Sprinkles, Lawrence Cooper, Dylan Cooper, Bob Kelley, and Jordan Shikles. Honorary bearers will be Louis Schuster, John Schuster, Leon Moon, Russ Barbour, Bill Maness, Norman Howard, and Jim Swearingen.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Cooper Brian Hibdon Memorial, c/o Leslie Kelley, P.O. Box 832, Tipton, MO 65081. Arrangements are in the care of Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Tipton.