Marion Harris

Marion Harris was a remarkable man, a hardworking, dedicated and self-made man if there ever was one. He worked for everything he ever had in life, succeeding on his own steam, and reaped many rewards for his hard work. Marion’s greatest reward was found in his loving family, as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Today his example lives on in all who knew him.

Marion’s story began on a warm fall day in 1939, in the little town of Erwin, Tennessee, tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachians. Those were anxious times in this country, as Americans struggled to regain their footing after the dark days of the Great Depression, and watched as the world went to war once again. Yet on September 16, 1939, Alvin and Lillian (Gillenwater) Harris found a reason to celebrate, with the birth of their first child, a baby son they named Marion.

Marion was later joined by his little brothers Jerry and Larry, and his little sisters Patty and Romelda. The family lived in Erwin until after World War II, but in 1948, they packed up and moved to Indiana, wanting to be closer to extended family and with hopes of finding better work.

There Marion grew into the hardworking young man he became, and learned from his hardworking father’s example, as well. Though Marion left school before graduating, as was so common in those days, he never let his lack of a formal education hold him back in life.

In 1960, Marion found a good job with a good company, Sun Chemical Corporation. Over the course of his 40-year career there, Marion diligently worked his way up through the ranks of the company, working as a lab technician and later in management. He might not have had a formal education, but Marion had intelligence in abundance, and an incomparable work ethic, earning him the deep respect of his peers and coworkers.

As rewarding as his professional life was, Marion’s personal life was even more so. One day in the early 1960s, Marion’s cousin introduced him to her beautiful new sister-in-law, Linda. The sparks flew between the two, and Linda couldn’t help but be attracted to the tall, handsome Marion, who was a little older than she was, making her feel secure. And Marion certainly couldn’t take his eyes off of the ravishing Linda, either!

The couple dated for awhile, and were happily married on August 3, 1963, the beginning of a beautiful marriage together. His wedding day was one of the happiest, proudest moments of Marion’s life, in a life so full of happy and proud moments.

It wasn’t long before the newlyweds became parents, as well, and eventually added three beautiful daughters to their family, Tammy, Michelle, and Julia. Marion couldn’t have been prouder of his little girls, and was a wonderful father and husband. He could be a stern father, yet his love for his family was never in question.

The family did much together over the years, too. Marion loved being in the outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing or especially gardening, and the latter pursuit was truly a family affair. Together they tended to their large garden at their Camby home, and every fall they gathered the many vegetables and canned them all, so they could enjoy them throughout the wintertime.

The family eventually bought a beloved getaway in Derby, Indiana, on the shores of the mighty Ohio River, overlooking Kentucky. Marion loved it there, and made so many fond memories with his family fishing from those banks. Marion also enjoyed hunting there, too, a lifelong love he developed back in his youth in Tennessee.

Family was always first in Marion’s life, and when his girls grew up and began having families of their own, he couldn’t have been prouder. He was especially proud at the birth of his first grandson, after being surrounded by women all those years! Marion was the proud granddad to five grandkids, and also one great-grandchild, too.

Eventually, Marion’s health began to decline, as all those years of hard work took their toll. He retired from Sun Chemical in 2000, after 40 dedicated years there. He enjoyed spending time with family, and loved having them close by.

Marion’s health continued to decline, and in 2004, he became ill. He bravely battled his illness for the next four years, yet he sadly lost his battle on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at Hendricks Regional Hospital in Danville. He was 68. True to his lifelong generosity, Marion graciously served as an organ donor, through the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization.

Marion was a remarkable man, self-taught and self-made, who worked hard for everything he ever had, and graciously shared it with all those around him. Marion was a loyal, hardworking man, and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Most of all, he was a good man with a good life, a life we were so lucky to have shared. He will be greatly missed.

Marion was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Cecil and Lillian (Gillenwater) Harris, and his two brothers, Jerry and Larry Harris.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Harris; his daughters, Tammy Harris of Camby, Indiana, Michelle Kieninger of Shelbyville, Indiana, and Julia Kieninger of Martinsville, Indiana; sisters, Patty Hester of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Romelda Compton of Tennessee; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2008, 10 a.m. at Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville, with Dave Clayton officiating. Calling is Friday, June 13, 2008, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. Burial in I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Waverly, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.carlisleandson.com, or visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or photo of Marion.