Frank D. Harris, age 85, passed away at home. Born November 15, 1933 in Gravette, Arkansas. He was the son of Troy and Maggie Harris.
He moved to Joplin at age 12. At age 19, he joined the Army and served 3 years with the 37th Combat Engineer’s in Germany. As a Chief Communication Officer and a radio telegraph operator. While in the army he earned the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) the National Defense and the Good Conduct medals.
After discharge he joined the Joplin Fire Department and served six years then joined the Joplin Police Department as a Captain of the Police Department and a nationally registered EMT he was responsible for the initial formation and operation of the Joplin Ambulance service for 10 years. Named Police Officer of the year in 1972. Harris was the assistant Chief for eleven years and served as the Interim Chief for a short time. He worked for the R-8 School District Transportation Department for 3 years as a driver and Transportation Foreman. He then joined the Newton County Sheriff’s Department and served for 11 years. He served as 2nd Command of that department and attained the rank of Major. During his time off from his full time jobs he built 14 new homes. He is a member of the Joplin Elks Lodge No. 501.
He is survived by his wife Patsy. Also surviving are his two daughters Cindy Harris, husband David; Rhonda McCormick, Husband Alan; his son Daniel Downey and wife Trisha. Grandchildren Tanner Gadberry, Steve McCormick, Jamie Brust, Cody McCormick and Chantz Downey. Six great-grandchildren. Sisters Billie Garrett, Dollie Hall, and Dorothy Leonard and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services have been scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 5, 2019, at Mason-Woodard Chapel with Reverend Tim Sumners officiating.
The Family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4th at the funeral home.
The family has requested contributions be made to the Parkinson's Foundation in care of the Mortuary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory
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