Gary L. Harris, 81, of Parsons passed away Friday evening, June 13, 2025, at his residence.
Gary Lee Harris was born on Aug. 7, 1943, to James Lee and Mayvis Eleanor (Paist) Harris in Parsons. He attended Washington Elementary School (as did his children), Parsons Junior High School and Parsons High School. He earned an associate’s degree from Parsons Junior College.
Gary lived in Kansas City, Missouri, for a short time but returned to Parsons to be near the love of his life. Gary married Judy Dwyer on Aug. 29, 1964, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Parsons. Gary was an inventory control manager for Safeway for 20 years before working an additional 20 years at Parsons State Hospital in the same capacity. He and his wife owned and operated Harris Retail Liquor for nine years.
Gary played football and basketball in school. As an adult, Gary coached his children’s sports teams. Gary, Judy, Kelley and Doug played doubles tennis together in the summers. He played so much golf with friends and family. He and Judy traveled with Gary’s sister, Janet, and her husband to several golf courses in the area. Gary was part of a swimming group at The CORE until a few months before his death.
Nothing could stop Gary. He suffered from back pain for most of his life but never complained. When he could no longer participate in sports, he watched sports on TV. He and his son participated in many fantasy football leagues. He always knew when and where the Royals, Chiefs and KU basketball teams were playing. Gary was also an avid gardener. He had a plot at the Parsons Community Garden for many years. He instilled his love for gardening to his daughter and granddaughters.
Gary always had popsicles to give to his granddaughters and great-grandchildren when they visited. He loved his dogs, especially Jack, who brought much joy to Gary’s last years. He had a great sense of humor. Gary was kind and gentle and loving and the best dad and grandpa anyone could ever hope for.
Gary was an active member at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Parsons, and was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 643. He delivered Meals on Wheels for 10 years and volunteered at the Sunbelt Rodeo for 17 years.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Harris of the home; a son, Doug Harris of Webb City, Missouri; a daughter, Kelley and her husband, Larry Zehr, of Mission; three granddaughters, Amy and husband Evan Kay, Hannah Zehr and husband McQuiston Bowes and Michelle Zehr; four great-grandchildren, Maggie, Harrison Maxwell (named in honor of his great-grandpa Gary), Ruby and Wesley; and a sister, Janet Harlson and her husband, Howard, of Bella Vista, Arkansas.
The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Parsons. The rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, Parsons, where the family will receive friends immediately following the rosary.
The family suggests memorials to St. Patrick Catholic Church or St. Patrick Catholic School. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
