"So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He will be missed by his family, clients & classmates. Bruce & Brenda Roningen ISU Class 1967"
In loving memory of
Kenneth Stanley Harris
December 12, 1942 - November 24, 2019
With family by his side at the English Valley Care Center, Kenneth Stanley Harris, 76, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 24, 2019.
Addressed as Doc Harris by many who knew him, he was born at his paternal grandparents' home to Margaret Handy Harris on December 12, 1942, while his father Kenneth "Stan" Stanley Harris was overseas fighting in WWII.
Doc spent his elementary school years close to home attending Grant No. 4. He then attended English Valleys High School in North English graduating in 1961. He attended Iowa State University graduating there from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1967. Early in his professional career, Dr. Harris had practiced in Texas, Arkansas, and the Twin Cities in Minnesota moving back to rural South English in 1973.
Throughout his 42+ years caring for animals, he doctored mainly large animals having a special touch with equines. Doc had been employed by Thomas Veterinary Clinic, Ottumwa, Iowa; and Sigourney Veterinary Clinic. As a mobile vet for both clinics and working out of his home, he served clients in several counties. He served as the vet for the monthly and special Kalona Horse Sales for several years. Doc was a skilled diagnostician, and he could be called on to serve his clients 365 days/year, 24 hours/day, every day including holidays. He never charged extra for calls "after hours" because he always said animals couldn't read the calendar or tell time.
When not involved with caring for equines or working outside around the farm, Doc loved music and sang with a beautiful tenor voice. He loved to read and had an intense interest in history--especially WWII--and geography. When time allowed, he enjoyed watching baseball and basketball on TV; and, when watching football, he would become totally engrossed! In his younger years, he had also enjoyed trapping, fishing & hunting.
Doc Harris has resided at the English Valley Care Center since September, 2012, as a result of a massive stroke. God was gracious, however, because, although it's not the way he would have chosen to spend his time, he enjoyed life almost til the end.
Doc Harris was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors from rural South English include his wife of 20 years Barbara (nee Jacobs) Harris; older son Ryan (Jaime) Harris and their children Abby and Connor; younger son Kevin (Melissa) Harris with children Kellen, Zoe, Myla and Raiden of Jackson, WI; mother of his sons, Karolyn (nee Behn, Harris) Haugland and husband Gerald "Red" Haugland of North English; brother John (Mary Ellen) Harris of Elmhurst, IL, and niece Elisa Harris of Chicago. Those also left to cherish his memory are the employees of the EV Care Center who lovingly cared for Doc for over 7 years and his many, many former clients.
Visitation will be held at Powell Funeral Home in North English, Monday, December 2, from 4-7 p.m. Services will be held at 10:30, Tuesday, December 3, at the Sigourney United Methodist Church where he was a member with Pastor Shannon Pascual officiating. A time of fellowship will follow immediately after the service in the Church basement as a luncheon is served. Burial will be at a later date.
Rather than remembering Doc Harris with flowers, please, instead, remember him with lasting memorials given to the English Valley Care Center, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine or Essence of Life Hospice.
Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"Doc was always a favorite smile to be seen in my time at EVCC. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to Barb and the rest of the Harris Family. "
"Doc was a great vet but a better person. Always willing to come help whenever my dad needed him. Rest In Peace Doc. Those who are kind to animals are the kindest among us."
" There are some people who are gifted beyond the normal to love & care for animals with almost supernatural wisdom and patience. Doc Harris was one of those amazing people who worked long, long hours at the Sale Barn for years. I look forward to his humor, his wisdom and his whistle when I see him again in Heaven. Until then, Doc, we will remember you fondly with love and great respect! ... I will never forget how he used each event as a teaching moment whenever possible. After one sale, a baby goat that appeared healthy had died & he wanted to know why. So Doc took some of us down below and did an autopsy on it and found it's little stomach full of grass. It was too young and still needed milk & he explained the goats digestive system to us. Doc Harris, you are loved & missed! ??"
"May GOD be with in your time of grief, Ken was polite always and sometimes would catch you off guard with a joke, was a joy to hear him laugh! Enjoyed taking care of him, always tried to help out."