Kenneth W. Harris

Kenneth Wright Harris was born January 12, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio, to Nathaniel and Suzanna Harris. He was the oldest of their four children.

He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953. After school, he entered the United States Marine Corps where he served for three years.

In his time after the Marine Corps, he met Claudia whom he married September 26, 1959. He also settled at D.E.S.C. where he worked in logistics for 36 years. During this time, he started a family with Claudia; and Kevin came along in late 1965.

While at D.E.S.C., he and a few friends started the Esquire Club. He would attend and host get-togethers that included trips to Vegas, Mardi Gras, and the Kentucky Derby.

To many who knew him, Kenneth was incredibly generous not only to family and friends but anyone. For years, he donated to many charities and organizations. He was one to travel and a favorite of his trips was to New Orleans where for years he’d go to Mardi Gras. He was a reserved man who would tell you how it is but also knew how tell a joke as many referred to him as a jokester. Kenneth Harris had a great personality, the best sense of humor, and the biggest heart and will be missed dearly.

Preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Suzanna Harris; brother, John Harris; sisters, Judith Bunch, Carol Sue Bell; nephew, Brian Bell.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 62 years, Claudia “Bea” Harris; son, Kevin Harris; grandchildren, Kaneisha Keith and Marli Harris; nephews, Derek Bunch, Dwayne Bunch, Darnell Harris, Robert Moon; nieces, Terri Jackson, Shana Harris, Tosha Turner; special friends, John Dearing, Philip Coble; extended families, the Wright family, the Robinson family and the Oliver family; a host of other relatives and friends.

Walk-through visitation 9-11 am Thursday, June 23, at the House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave. Funeral service will be held 11 am. (Mask Required). Interment Dayton National Cemetery.

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