Richard Kenneth Harris

Richard Kenneth Harris went into the arms of his Heavenly Father on June 1, 2014-on his 51st wedding anniversary-after a long battle and complications from diabetes. Born in Columbus, OH in 1942, he was preceded in death by his mother Marguerite Ruth Harris, father Basil Kenneth Harris and brother John Robert Harris. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Etta Mae (Blankenship); his children: Stephanie L. (Mark Frederick) Watson and Jeffrey Kenneth Harris; grandchildren: Madeline and Michael Watson; mother-in-law Opal Wedemeyer; and many wonderful friends. Dick graduated from Columbus South High School and completed the four-year apprenticeship program for the electrical trade union. Dick was a 50-year member of IBEW Local #683. He was in management with several companies throughout his electrical career. Dick had the determination to always do the best job he could do for the company. He was often called “The Great One” by his co-workers for accomplishing impossible work tasks and often times finishing jobs early and under budget. His “go-getter attitude” and willingness to help others followed him into his community work. With Dick’s leadership skills he always believed he could make a difference in whatever he was doing. Dick was involved with the Olentangy Athletic program for many years in the 1980’s. One of his projects while President of the boosters was raising money that was later used to purchase Musco lighting for the football field at the only high school in the district at that time. He coached Little League baseball and football. As a hobby, Dick was involved in officiating high school and college basketball. He was listed as an official with OSHAA and COBOA for over 40 years. Dick was President of COBOA as well as holding other offices. He was the assigner for the Columbus Public Schools City League Basketball program for several years. Dick was a member of Grace Brethren Church, also using his electrical skills there when called upon and volunteered for several other jobs. Dick valued time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed boating, hunting and traveling. He also loved to play pranks on his friends. Many thanks to Dr. Mason and the staff at Kobacker House for the great loving care they gave to Dick. Thanks to Pastor Tim Waggoner and the Care Team at Grace Brethren Church for the visits to see Dick over the past years. A special thank you to our good friends, Pastor Jim Custer and his wife Triceine, for always being there-especially in the last hour of Dick’s homegoing. Extreme appreciation and thanks to the many friends who prayed and supported our family through this journey. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00p.m. WEDNESDAY at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065 (614)-792-1471. (The funeral home is located on W. Olentangy St./Powell Rd./SR 750 ¼ mile east of Sawmill Parkway.) Funeral Services will be held 10:00a.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014 at GRACE POLARIS CHURCH, 8225 Worthington-Galena Road, Westerville, OH 43081 (614)-888-7733, with Pastor Jim Custer and Pastor Tim Waggoner, officiating. Burial will be held at Oller Cemetery, Delaware, OH. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider memorial contributions to: Worthington Christian Schools, 6670 Worthington-Galena Rd., Worthington, OH 43085, in Dick’s memory. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to Dick’s family.