Obituary: Donald Mann Harris

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Donald Mann Harris departed from this Earth on Thursday, July 25, 2002, following a brief hospitalization. Donald was born in Madison, Wis., Sept. 15, 1924, to Willie Lou and George Harris. He attended Longfellow Elementary and Central High School. In Dec. of 1942, he married Pearl Elvord. Their union produced four children. During World War II, Donald proudly served in the United States Navy in the Pacific. An entrepreneur, Donald was involved in several businesses during his lifetime. They included Fabric Specialist Cleaners, Harris Brothers Construction Company, The Tuxedo Lounge, and House of Ribs. He was a baton twirler with the Madison Boy Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps., and a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Known as a hockey Dad, he also possessed a good sense of humor, love for family, gift of gab, and love of bowling. Donald is survived by his wife, Pearl; two daughters, Donna Smith, Madison, and Ruth Ann Harris, Altedena, Calif.; two sons, Donald M. Harris Jr., DeForest Wis., and Gary Harris, Verona, Wis.; a brother, Richard H. Harris (Maxine), Madison; a sister, Georgia Henderson, Madison; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; a host of cousins; nieces; and nephews; and beloved friends. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Lou and George Harris; two brothers Calvin A. Harris II, and Charles C. Harris; and a sister Nan Harris. Services are being handled by the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2002, followed by the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road Madison, Wis.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 28, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)