Claude Kenneth (Ken) Harris, 76

Claude Kenneth “Ken” Harris, 76, of Sedalia, died Sunday, January 5, 2014, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born March 7, 1937, in Alton, MO, a son of the late Judd and Ethel (Hale) Harris. On December 23, 1961, in Camarillo, CA, he married Zela Fern Miller who survives of the home.

Ken served his country honorably for nine years in the US Navy as a crew chief on helicopters. He was very proud that he was one of the first 20 Americans that served for Air America in Laos in the early 1960s.

He owned and operated a filling station in Marshall from 1965-1971. He and his family moved to Sedalia where he owned and operated the North 65 Truck Stop until his retirement in 2008.

While his children were young he was active in the MSSCA with horseshows and rodeo. He was a member of the State Fair Saddle Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching his grandsons play football and soccer.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Rick Harris (Cindy) of Cole Camp, Ray Harris (Leslie) of Sedalia, and Vicki Harris, of Smithton; and six grandchildren, Elyssa Harris, Tyler Harris, Briar Smith, Zofia Smith, Kellough Smith and Buzz Harris; two nephews, Glenn Harris and Dennis Harris; and a niece, Carol Larimore.

He was also preceded in death by five siblings, Clifton Harris, Lorene Stark and three infant brothers.

Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Friday, January 10, 2014, at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

Funeral service will be 2 pm, Saturday, January 11, 2014, at Carter Funeral Home in West Plains with Brother Bill Bales officiating. Pallbearers will be Tyler Harris, Briar Smith, Ron Carter, Charles Roark, Vernie Roark and Roger Carter. Visitation will be 1 pm until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Alton, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Center for Human Services or Mid-Missouri Alzheimer’s Association in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be offered online at www.mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.