Lawrence “Butch” Harris was born on Nov. 26, 1947 and the Lord called him home on July 8, 2012. He was raised by Henry “Dago” Fields (who preceded him in death) and Beulah Mae Fields of Chanute. Lawrence was born in Memphis, Tenn., to Nathella Harris (who preceded him in death).

At an early age he accepted Christ and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Eufaula, Okla. Lawrence graduated from Eufaula High School and was later drafted into the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War. While in the Army he received many medals and honors including two Purple Hearts. After his stint in the military Lawrence went to Pittsburg State University and received a certificate for refrigeration and air conditioning.

On July 1, 1972 he married Deborah Kay Cole-Harris. To this union four children were born, Gregory Harris of Chanute, Takhia Harris of Overland Park, and two daughters who preceded him in death.

Butch was an excellent athlete and played on many basketball and softball teams throughout his life and also he was the coach for his daughter’s softball team. He was an avid reader and literally a human encyclopedia. You could always count on him for the correct answer regardless of the questions. And he was one to never share your crossword puzzle with because he didn’t stop until it was finished and in the record time I might add. Lawrence retired from Ash Grove Cement Plant after 25 years of service. He loved to play golf, fish, watch sports, on television and hang out with his son, Gregory, daughter, Takhia, and grandson Quentin.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his loving wife of 40 years, Deborah Harris of Chanute; his mother, Beulah Fields of Chanute; one son, Gregory Harris of Chanute; one daughter, Takhia Harris of Overland Park; one grandson, Quentin Harris of Chanute; daughter, Trina Headley-Smith and four grandchildren; his aunt, Frances Taylor of Memphis, Tenn.; two sisters, Loretta Perkins of Cedar Hill, Texas and Carolyn Bogan and husband, Ike, of Shannon, Miss.; one brother, James Pope of Shannon, Miss.; his sister-in-law, Kim Cole of San Bernardino, Calif.; his brother-in-law, Harold Cole of Everett, Wash.; and host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, and lots of close friends. He was also preceded in death by Charles Etta “Granny” Glazier who he spent a portion of his childhood with; his father-in-law, Loise Cole; one brother, Roy “Chester” Glazier; two brothers-in-law, Johnny Cole and Robert Cole.

Butch never met a stranger and he will truly be missed.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 13 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel in Chanute.

Funeral will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 14 at Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel in Chanute. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to Cherry Street Youth Center, New Hope Baptist Church, or Chanute Recreation Committee and may be left at the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family on line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com