John Hawkes Harris, Jr.

John Hawkes Harris, Jr., 72, of Williamsburg, Kansas died on Monday, January 19, 2009, at Village Manor Nursing Home in Ottawa, Kansas. He was born on Tuesday, February 11, 1936, in Coffey County, near Burlington, Kansas. He was the son of John Hawkes Harris, Sr. and Freida Luella (Zink) Harris. He moved to Williamsburg in 1963 and Ottawa in 1964, returning to Williamsburg in 2007. John graduated from Burlington High School with the class of 1955. Following high school graduation, John worked construction, and then drove a milk truck. He was also a mechanic many years, working for Underwood Equipment, Sheldon Truck and Tractor, Tri-County Equipment, and many farmers. In August of 1974, he became employed with the City of Ottawa working in various areas of the Public Works Department, retiring in 1995. John served in the National Guard from 1955 to 1961. He was a member of Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles of Ottawa and Burlington High School Alumni. On April 13, 1957, John was united in marriage with Virginia Lee Crooks in Burlington, Kansas. They celebrated over 51 years of marriage. She survives of their home. Survivors include: Wife-Virginia Lee (Crooks) Harris of the home Son-Rodney L. Harris his wife, Pam, of Ottawa, Kan. Son-John Hawkes Harris, III his wife, Tamera, of Williamsburg, Kan. Daughter-Lisa Renee McClendon her husband, Clark, of Folsom, La. Brother-George D. Harris his wife, Cheryl, of Williamsburg, Kan. Grandson-Rodney W. (Billy) Harris of Ottawa, Kan. Grandson-Benjamin S. (Ben) Harris of Ottawa, Kan. Grandson-John Hawkes (Jared) Harris, IV of Williamsburg, Kan. Grandson-Alexander T. (Alex) McClendon of Folsom, La. Grandson-Zachary (Zach) McClendon of Folsom, La. He was preceded in death by: Father-John Hawkes Harris, Sr. Mother-Freida Luella (Zink) Harris SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel Son Mortuary in Ottawa at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2009. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Harris at the Dengel Son Mortuary after 1:00 p.m. Wednesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Waverly Cemetery, Waverly, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Hospice or Power of the Past, c/o Dengel Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.