Warren J Harris

Warren J Harris

Richfield, Utah

On February 13, 2013, Warren J Harris, 84, left his mortal life in Richfield and

embarked on a new journey with his eternal companion, Betty Pope Harris.

Born December 4, 1928, in Lindon, to John George and Melva Vervene Warnick Harris. Warren was the oldest of six and was taught the importance of hard work and gained a love for farming.

He served honorably in the Western States Mission where he met and eventually married his sweetheart in the Manti LDS Temple, December 21, 1950. Betty preceded him in death August 9, 2011.

Warren gave up his life in Northern Utah, working at Geneva, to follow his dream of becoming a farmer. He raised black Angus cattle and eventually began the sod farm, Willowwood Turf.

Many people knew him for his hard work ethic through Christy’s Market, driving the school bus, as the custodian for Richfield High School, and for doing custom farm work for members of the community.

Warren could always be seen with a wrench, pocket knife, and pliers in his pocket or a shovel over his shoulder and dedicated his life to hard work and service.

He shared his love for work with his family by teaching them and working alongside his children and many of his grandchildren.

Along with his passion for hard work, Warren also had a deep love and dedication to service in the LDS Church. He served as bishop, president of the Stake Sunday School, high council member, ward mission leader and in the branch presidency of the Yoomeenchoopeets Indian Branch. One of the soft spots in Warren’s life was his love for children and the Sunbeam class he taught. As a father, grandfather, teacher and bishop, he could always be found sharing special treats of jelly beans, licorice, marshmallows, and raisins from his pockets.

A highlight of his life was serving the people of the Papua New Guinea Port Marseby Mission and the Washington Tacoma Mission with Betty by his side. To date, 36 missions have been served by Warren, Betty, and their posterity.

Warren leaves behind a legacy of love for family, hard work, and dedication to the gospel.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of the Richfield Rehabilitation and Care Center who loved Warren and took such great care of him while he fought a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s.

He is survived by his children; Susan (Stanley) Baldwin, Richfield; Jeannie (Jim) Puzey, Richfield; Carma (Doug) Olsen, Fullerton, California; Anita (Duane) Kimber, Morgan; Lisa (Phillip) Burr, Burrville; Jay (Laraine) Harris, Richfield; DoriAn (David) Campbell, Wellsville; Troy (Melina) Harris, Hernando, Mississippi; Kirk (Nancy) Harris, Richfield; Kris (Wendy) Harris, Vernal; Foster daughter, Chandra (Ryan) Claw, Window Rock, Arizona; 51 grandchildren; 94 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters; Lynn (Evelyn) Harris, Ogden; Melvin (LuDean) Harris, Venice; Louise (Robert) Wilcox, Idaho; Karen (Lynn) Newman, American Fork.

Also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kerri Harris; and great-grandson, Taylor Sage Baldwin; sister, Arlene Harris.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Richfield East Stake, 800 North 500 East. Friends may call Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary, and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Malgeby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com