Donald Harris

Donald Lee Harris, age 70, of Ohio City, peacefully left us on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after living a life full of love, laughter, and the occasional well-timed prank.

A beloved husband, father, and friend, was born on March 6, 1954, in Bristol, West Virginia, to the late parents, Grover Cleveland Harris and Hazel V. (Hoffman) Harris-Simmons.

At the core, Donald was a loving man whose old-fashioned values shaped his family and friendships. He was strict, but his generous spirit and willingness to help others always shined through.

Donald's family will remember him for his humorous side, although most people did not get to see his ornery streak. He found so much joy in pulling harmless pranks, and there was nothing like the twinkle in his eye when he successfully got one over on someone. He was the type of guy who loved to dish out advice-whether it was wanted or not-often prefacing his sage words with, "If that were me, I would have done it this way."

A hardworking man at heart, Donald loved jumping into any project that needed an extra hand. He took great pride in his outdoor work and eagerly cultivated a vibrant garden each year that brought his family joy and delicious produce. Those who knew Donald knew of his passion for bowling. He spent many years in a bowling league, enjoying every moment spent with friends rolling strikes and spares. And let's not forget his love for Chinese food - it was truly one of his greatest joys!

Above all, Donald was a wonderful man-he embraced his roles as a husband and father with heart and thoughtfulness. He will surely be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Donna Harris of Ohio City; son, Donald Lee (Tammy) Harris Jr. of New Lexington, OH; daughter, Jessica Dawn (Amy) Harris of Zanesville; step children: Lisa (Rick) Shaffer, Lori Moore, John E. Lowry Jr, all of Ohio City; brother, Ronald D. Harris of Zanesville; sister, Nora Harris-Jensen of MI; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his step son, Raymond "Buddy" Campbell; siblings: Arthur Eugene Harris, Roger Lee Harris, Robert L. Harris, Myrtle Grace Harris Taylor, Linda Harris-Newell-Eschmann and Glenna Harris-Elliot.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Donald's life at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, 722 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, OH on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 5:00 PM, Pastor Steve Haddix officiating.

To share in Donald's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.