Delbert “Del” E. Harris, age 87, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, passed away Thursday morning, March 4, 2021, at his home in the loving care of his wife and daughter.

   He was born January 19, 1934, in Lincoln, Illinois, the son of Herman and Pearl (Thomason) Harris.  Del and Mary Ann Vaughn were married July 9, 1967, after a whirlwind romance which ensued after a set-up by Ray and Dolores Harris (Del’s brother, married to Mary Ann’s sister) along with other events that kept bringing them together.  They quickly fell in love and shared 53 wonderful wedding anniversaries together.  They lived in St. Louis, Missouri for 50 years before moving to the slower life of the country.

   Del exemplified giftedness in many areas. He had a keen eye for design and attention to detail.  He loved to work with his hands, which reflected the excellence of his workmanship.  He served as a Foreman and Pattern Maker for a total of 55 years, starting at Carondelet Foundry and retiring in 2013 from American Steel Foundry in Granite City, Illinois. His entrepreneurial aptitude resulted in his owning several businesses.  For 15 years he and Mary Ann co-owned and operated a cleaning service called Mini-Maid. They even tried their hand at a sheet music publishing company called Del-Mar Publishing. Through another business he custom made distinct and exclusive marble designs, such as fireplaces, thresholds, and floors, for both residential and commercial properties. He also found time to run Harris Lawn Care Service.

   He enjoyed doing his own yard work, gardening, camping, swimming, photography, remodeling homes and building things for his family.  Taking after his father, he displayed great skill as a mechanic, working on his automobiles.  Another talent included his flair for cooking, and he delighted many friends and family over the years with his chef caliber meals!  As the frequent recipient, Mary Ann was the most privileged by his culinary skills.  Very active as a leader in his church, he served on the board, as an usher and as an audio technician for public services.  Del served his country as a Private First Class in the United States Army, stationed in Germany from 1962-1964 as a cook and official photographer. 

   Del is survived by his wife; Mary Ann; a daughter: Patricia Ann Harris; a son: Kyle Harris; 2 sisters Mary Jo Johnson and Nancy Matthews; a sister-in-law: Dolores Harris; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Kevin Harris; 2 sisters: Florence Hammil and Pat Hooper; 2 brothers: Charles Harris and Ray Harris; and 2 infant sisters; Joyce Harris and Donna Harris.

   A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, Illinois.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with the presentation of military funeral honors.  Visitation will be from 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com