Verlin Harris

Verlin A Harris, 52 of rural Paola, Kansas, passed away on September 14, 2013 at Miami County Medical Center. He was born on July 12, 1961 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the second of four sons born to Robert Harris and Karen (Witte) Harris Doudna. He graduated from Paola High School with the Class of 1979. Verlin served his country with the United States Navy. He was stationed at Charleston, SC. He had multiple deployments on the USS O'Bannon, shore duty at SIMA, Charleston Navy Base, and finished his active duty on the USS Frank Cable. After returning to Kansas he continued his naval career in the Naval Reserve as a Seabee for four more years. He then went into working in the heavy construction field, settling in with Kissick Construction as a local 101 union operator. Verlin and his wife Mary were united in marriage on August 18, 1979, at the Paola Methodist Church. They became the parents of two sons, who blessed them with wonderful wives and beautiful grandchildren. Verlin loved his garage where family and friends would gather to have great times. Most nights usually ended with Verlin singing Karaoke! He also enjoyed golfing, woodworking, gardening, snow skiing, water skiing, bungee jumping and fishing. Although he had many hobbies, his favorite pasttime was time spent with family and friends. Verlin is survived by his loving wife Mary, of the home; two sons Ryan A. Harris (Amy) and Eric W.Harris (Nichole) currently living in Louisburg, father Robert Harris (Judy) of Independence, Missouri; mother Karen Doudna (William) of Olathe, father and mother-in-law Ed and Mary Belsanti of Paola; three brothers Larry Harris (Cindy) of rural Paola, Chuck Harris (Tammy) of Paola, and Ernie Harris (Coree) of Paola, three grandchildren, Kahlan Harris, Dakota Harris and Aiden Harris; sister-in-law Tina Bryson (Bill) of Paola, brother-in-law Eddie Belsanti of Paola, several nieces, nephews, and friends. Verlin wore many hats! Wonderful Husband, Awesome Dad, Great Unk & Uncle, Loving Pa, and one of the best friends anyone could ever have. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and can be sent in care of the funeral home. To leave a special memory of Verlin or a condolence message for his family, please click the Share Memories button above.