Harrison Kash

(From Parker Mortuary)

Harrison Maxey Kash, age 89, Webb City, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at his home after a lengthy illness.

Harrison was born December 23, 1930 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, son of the late Oliver Willet Kash and Velma Ann Tipton Kash. He lost his mother at a young age, and was reared by his grandparents, Edmond and Kate Tipton, who took him into their home in 1936. 

He attended Eugene Field grade school. Later he lived with his father in Pittsburg where he graduated from Pittsburg High School. He earned a bachelors degree from Pittsburg State University. Harrison was in the Army from 1953 to 1955. He received his Masters Degree in Chemistry from Kansas State University.

His first job after college was as a research chemist in Chicago, Ill. Harrison was a people person and said the lab equipment couldn’t talk to him so he returned to Webb City and became a chemistry professor. He worked for Missouri Southern State University from 1958 until retiring in 1997.

One thing Harrison missed from Chicago was international films. In 1962, he started the International Film Society at MSSU to share his love of film with others. Later that film society was renamed the Harrison and June Kash International Film Society.

Harrison and June Morey were married August 8,1959. His son Paul was born in 1960. The family lived in the same house where Harrison was raised by his grandparents. They were helpful to any neighbor in need, especially elderly neighbors.

Harrison had a great sense of humor. He loved puns and reading the comics in the Joplin “Glob”. His laugh was infectious and will be missed by many.

Harrison also appreciated great architecture especially buildings that were made “solid”, like the Gryphon building. He also did a lot of work on his own home making it solid, as well. Another interest of Harrison’s was classical music.

In addition to his parents, and grandparents, Harrison was preceded in death by his wife, June Kash who passed in 2012, and his son, Paul Kash who passed in 2014.

A Celebration of Harrison's life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Interment will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are requested to Missouri Southern State University Film Society care of Parker Mortuary. Special thanks to Harrison’s caregivers from Home Instead and from Cox Hospice.