Don Harris

Jerome- Don Lee Harris passed away on June 29, 2016, at his home with his family by his side.  He was 66.  He was born October 14, 1949 in Nampa, Idaho to Orville J. Harris and Helen Price Harris.  The family moved to Shoshone, Idaho in 1959 where the OJ Harris family worked diligently to renovate and reopen the Shoshone sale yard.  Don loved growing up around the sale yard and his siblings were his favorite playmates.  To this day they remain his closest friends.  Don graduated from Shoshone High School in 1968.  He excelled in football and basketball and loved the time he spent with many friends.  He was the life of the party and ready for any adventure.  Don’s infectious laugh and outgoing personality will always be remembered by those who loved him.  Don joined the National Guard in 1969 where he served in this capacity for 7 years.

Don had three children from a previous marriage, Joseph Don, Michael Dee, and Keri Kristine.  He later married Nancy Lee Bunn on January 20, 1978, in Jerome, Idaho.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Boise, Idaho Temple on June 22, 2000.  Don and Nancy had four children, Christy Lee (deceased), Shawn David, Bryan Christopher, and Jennifer Ann.

Don started his working career for Cenex in the fertilizer industry.  In 1985, Don followed in his father OJ Harris’ footsteps in the cattle industry and opened the Harris Buying Station where he successfully operated the business until 2011.  In 2010, Don and Nancy were honored for their work in the livestock and agriculture industry and were inducted into the Cattleman’s Hall of Fame.  Don met many great and life-long friends through the cattle industry and is proud that his son, Bryan Harris, has continued with his legacy of operating the buying station.

Don was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.  He loved to hunt bear and cougars in the Idaho Mountains with his “Beloved” dogs.   Don developed many close friends over the years through his affiliation with the Southern Idaho Hound Association.  Don shared his love of hunting and the outdoors with his sons where many memories were created and fondly remembered.

Don’s other love and passion was his family.  He was proud beyond measure of each one of his six children.  He loved to share their success and accomplishments with anyone he could get to listen.  Don loved his children, but he “Adored” his 12 grandchildren.   Grandpa Don will be fondly remembered by pulling toes and popping fingers, constant teasing, big hugs, and being the coolest cowboy around.

Don is survived by his wife Nancy, his six Children Joe (Jill) Harris in Meridian, Idaho, Michael Harris (Clint Keithley) in Seattle, Washington, Keri (Jim) Noll in Nampa, Idaho, Shawn (Tesha) Harris in Jerome, Idaho, Bryan (Krista) Harris in Jerome, Idaho and Jenny Harris (Joe Navas) in Denver, Colorado.  His siblings, Connie Cummins  in Jerome, Idaho, Tom (Kathy) Harris in Jerome, Idaho, Joe (Sharon) Harris in Eagle, Idaho, Maxine (Dan) Urrutia in Twin Falls, Idaho, and Debbie (Ted) Martinez in Eagle, Idaho.

Don was preceded in death by his parents O.J. and Helen Harris, his brother Ray Kelly, and daughter Christy Lee Harris.

“Lord, in the falling dusk, when I get the final call….the happiest trail will be, for you to say to me, “Lets Ride, My Friend.”

A visitation will be held Tuesday evening, July 5, 2016 , at Farnsworth Mortuary Chapel, 1343 South Lincoln, Jerome, where family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. , Wednesday July 6, 2016 , in the Jerome LDS 5th Ward Chapel, 50 East 100 South, Jerome, with Bishop Jerry Callen, Jr., officiating.  A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.  Interment will follow in the Jerome Cemetery. www.farnsworthmortuary.com