Harris, Kenneth

Kenneth Dale Harris, 65, of Aviston, died Friday, February 15, 2008 at his home. He was born March 2, 1942 in Flint, MI, son of Gean R. and Jaimie Louise (Wise) Harris. He married Sharon Painter, and they later divorced. He is survived by his former wife Sharon Smith, of Highland; his children, Lisa Kollmann and special friend Scott Conrad of Breese, Joyce Hilmes and husband Darian of Carlyle, Robert Rogers, Jr. of Aviston, Angella Reilmann of Aviston and her special friend Jason Sprakties (currently serving in Iraq) and Terri Murphy of Breese; his grandchildren, Justin Kollmann, Mitchell Kollmann, Bailey Kollmann, Jenna Kollmann, Jeralyn Hilmes, Andrew Hilmes, Zachary Hilmes, Christopher Hilmes, Megan Hilmes, Audrey Harris, Corey Reilmann, Jr., Alec LaBlance, Ashley LaBlance, Dustin Murphy, and Lyric Murphy ; his brothers and sisters, Gean “G.W.” Harris and wife Faith of Noble, Jeanette Hubbs and husband Jay of Anna, Michael Harris and wife Carol of Webb City, MO, Jessie Harris of Olympia, WA; and brother-in-law Bill Shable of Granite City. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Stephen Harris and a sister, Patricia Shable. Mr. Harris was a veteran of the United States Army, which included three tours to Vietnam, he retired as Sgt. 1st Class in 1981. Following his military service he was a pipefitter in the Philadelphia area. He was a member of Local 420 Steamfitters Union, Philadelphia, PA and the VFW in Edwardsville. Burial with full military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday February 20, 2008 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. Friends may call from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday, February 17, 2008. at Hempen Funeral Home in Aviston. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association and will be received at the funeral home.