Donald E. Harris

Donald Earl Harris, Jr. was born on March 17th, 1934 to Donald Earl Harris, Sr. and Rose Marie (Rezac) Harris in Wahoo, Nebraska. Don was proud of his hardworking Scottish/Irish and Bohemian ancestors who were early farming pioneers in the Midwest. He in turn was a hardworking, disciplined youth whose first jobs included delivering newspapers from his bicycle, setting muskrat traps, and serving at weekday Mass all before school started in the morning, and often during freezing Nebraska winters. He excelled in school and as a three- sport athlete, and it came as no surprise when he enlisted in the Navy during his senior year of high school. Don worked his way through reserve officer candidate school over the course of several years, and ultimately became a commissioned naval officer.
Never indecisive, Don proposed to his college sweetheart, Beverly June Rosenboom, on their third date. Ever practical, she put him off until after graduation. They married on December 29, 1956 and began a 58-year love affair that produced 4 children and included a two-year stint teaching and coaching high school basketball, tours of duty in 6 states, assignments on 5 ships (including one as commanding officer of the USS Wiltsie) running maneuvers in the waters off the good ol' US of A and in the less friendly waters off of Vietnam in the early 1970's.
After serving his country for 28 years, Captain Donald E. Harris, Jr. retired from the Navy. He and Bev settled on property outside of Sebastopol, CA, where he became a gentleman rancher, volunteer with the Golden Gate Arabian Horse Association, part-time Junior College instructor and full time fan to 11 cherished grandchildren - his favorite "tour-of-duty!" For the next 29 years he loved nothing more than to begin and end each day with his beautiful bride (as he always called her), to work his land, and to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
Don's last "tour-of-duty" came as a result of a degenerative brain disease that progressively diminished his motor skills and his ability to communicate, necessitating the move from his ranch, and eventually to an assisted living facility. During this most challenging post Don was ever the courageous warrior and gentleman, inspiring all those who witnessed his burden and experienced his charm.
The great Commanding Officer in heaven relieved Don of earthly duty on December 13, 2014. He leaves behind his beloved family including his wife Beverly, his children Michael (Janine) Harris, Donnie (John) Young, Kelly (Brad) Irving, Mary (Zane) Schafer, grandchildren David and Christina Harris, Evan (Molly), A.J. and Ellery Young, Kyle, Sean (Gail) and Gregg (Meghan) Irving, and Zac, Rosie and Matt Schafer, great grand-daughter Emma Young, and devoted brother John (Barbara) Harris.
The family would like to thank our many friends, extended family and the caregivers of Atria and Vitas in Lafayette for the love, respect and care shown to Don over the years, affording him the dignity he so deserved. A celebration of his life and a funeral mass will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Don would be honored to have donations made to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Bravo Zulu Don. Anchors aweigh!