John Richard Harris
1933 – 2025
John Richard Harris, 91, of Edmond, Oklahoma, went home to be with the Lord March 24th, 2025, in Edmond.
John was born on August 22, 1933, to Luther Roscoe and Sybil Undine Harris in Cromwell, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of ten children, three of whom passed in infancy. John attended elementary through high school at McLish in Hardin City, Oklahoma. From a young age, he placed his trust in Jesus Christ and followed Him faithfully throughout his life.
In 1949, John met the love of his life, Mary Ann George. The couple went on their first date on October 24, 1949, and their love quickly blossomed. John and Mary Ann were married on June 3rd, 1951, at the First Methodist Church in Fittstown, Oklahoma. By this time, Mary had just graduated from high school, and John was about to enter his Senior year. Now married to the beautiful Mary Ann, he was the envy of his classmates when school resumed in August. Following John’s graduation, they moved to Arlington, Virginia, where they both began working for the U.S. government.
In 1953, John and Mary returned briefly to Oklahoma before relocating to Borger, Texas, where John began his career with Phillips Petroleum. During their time in Borger, they welcomed four children into the world: John Richard Jr. (1954), Danny Paul (1955), Jeanne Sue (1957), and Bobby Glen (1958).
In 1961, John’s career took the family to Hobbs, New Mexico, where they became active members of First United Methodist Church and later Taylor Street Church of Christ. John served in various church roles, including Sunday school teacher and lay minister. He and Mary made Hobbs their home for the remainder of his time with Phillips Petroleum.
John’s 41-year career at Phillips began as a member of the roustabout gang and progressed to roles in mechanical maintenance, relief valve repair, and ultimately overseeing Phillips’ overall relief valve program. Alongside his full-time work, John often took on mechanical and carpentry side jobs, never hesitating to tackle a challenge. His ability to fix nearly anything was widely admired, and his dedication to providing for and caring for his family was evident in all that he did.
Not only was John a skilled mechanic and carpenter, but he also had a passion for flying. During the early-60’s, John began training as a student pilot at Hobbs Municipal airport. Then in 1965, he fulfilled his passion by becoming a licensed Private Pilot. As a pilot, John was able to fly his family to see relatives in Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas. Many family memories were made on these flights.
In the mid-70’s, John and Mary took up playing tennis, inspired by their son’s passion for the sport in high school. The couple competed in several tournaments, including singles and mixed doubles. They formed many lasting friendships on the tennis courts, and John served a term as president of the Hobbs Tennis Club.
After retiring, John and Mary remained in Hobbs, New Mexico, for a year before moving to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, then Edmond, Oklahoma, and later to Houston, Texas. Every location allowed them a special time to be close to each of their four children and families. In 2021, John and Mary moved back to Edmond, Oklahoma to be near their newly retired son and his wife.
John is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Mary Ann; his four children, John Richard Jr. (Jackie), Danny Paul (Sheri), Jeanne Sue (Walt), and Bobby Glen (Peggy); and eight grandchildren: Kailey (Bryce), Blake (Isla), Eric (Kristin), Kris (Rosemary), Ashley (Pete), Bobby (LaDonna), Stephen (Abi), and Stephanie (Randy). John was blessed with six great-grandchildren: William, John David, Nathan, Abby, Madison, and Esther.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the care and compassion provided by the staff at The Veraden Senior Living and the hospice team at Companion Healthcare.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Rosedale Cemetery in Ada, Oklahoma.
Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at The Veraden Senior Living in Edmond, Oklahoma,
In memory of John Harris
Uncle, Great Uncle, and Great-Great Uncle
“And flights of angels sing thee to thy sleep.”
Barbara Novotney nee Moore and Buddy
Ralph Novotney and Tracy
Joshua Novotney and Maren and Libby
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time ❤️. It’s truly comforting to see his legacy living on in Eric and his dad. Those special qualities are a beautiful tribute to his memory. Sending you strength and hugs 🤗. Thinking of you all. #condolences #griefsupport
Sharon, thank you so much. Means the world to see your message.
I first became acquainted with John and Mary when they became members of the Edmond Church of Christ. On my many visits to their home, I always enjoyed John’s quick wit, his happy face and his ready willingness to tell a funny story. Mary would set nearby with a sweet smile and approving nod to backup John’s recount of the events of his story. Our friendship continued as we became co-residence of the Veraden Senior Living Center in Edmond. John will be missed by all.
Our lives are touched by many people. A few are special and John Harris was. Honest, hard working, honorable, kind. I’m grateful for having known him. Sincere condolences to every member of his family. You were blessed to have him in your life.