Dateline: Godfrey
Ralph E. Harris, 89, died at 4:27 a.m. Sunday, March 4, 2012 at Alton Memorial Hospital with his wife by his side. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Born September 7, 1922 in Southern Illinois, he was the son of Alfred and Ina (Lewis) Harris. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the Heartland Baptist Church. In 1985, he retired from Owens Illinois Glass in Alton after 44 years of service. On July 18, 1975 in Alton, he married the former Dora (Fritz) Kitzmiller. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Cathy Potter of East Alton, a step-son, Robert Kitzmiller and his wife Marj of Sterling, VA, ten grandchildren, Deana Avery ( Steve Fincher), Natalie Hicks (Ken), Sam Mercer, Elicia Walljasper, Shari Hames, Bobby Kitzmiller (Amanda), Ron Kitzmiller, Ric Kitzmiller (Sandy), Debbie Comereski (Jeff Conroy), and Jeff Cairns, 13 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, and a sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and George Cope of Alton. He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy D. Harris, a son-in-law, Marion Potter, a step-son and daughter-in-law, Vernon and Nancy Kitzmiller, an infant grandson, a brother and sister-in-law, Wilfred "Hap" and Toby Harris, and a sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Ray Wilson. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Reverend Jim Grant will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Baptist Church or Carmi Baptist Children's Home.


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