HARRIS, Russell Eugene

Russell Eugene Harris, 80, passed away May 16, 2006, in Mesa, Arizona. Russell was born in Magna, Utah, the fifth of nine children born to Roy Elmore and Martha Deland Harris. Russell moved with his family to Mesa at the age of 2, graduating from Alma School, and Mesa High School in 1943. He volunteered as a submariner in the U.S. Navy, serving 3 war patrols aboard the U.S.S. Tigrone. He was proud to have been part of the Tigrone crew that rescued 31 American aviators from the Pacific, a record for a single war patrol by a U.S. submarine. Following the war he was employed as a Deputy County Recorder prior to joining the Phoenix Fire Department in 1947. He rose to the rank of Captain, retiring after 13 years. He graduated from ASU in 1960, first becoming a teacher, and then a guidance counselor, in the Phoenix Union High School District. He retired from the District in 1989 after 29 years at Camelback, West, and Central High Schools. Russell was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving over the years as Bishop, Bishopric counselor, High Councilor, Stake Executive Secretary, Stake Mission President and Stake Missionary. He most recently served as an ordinance worker at the Mesa Arizona Temple. Russell married Irma Richins on December 19, 1942, and they became the parents of 4 children: Russell Jr. (Julie), Linda Johnson (Richard), Susan Burdick (Russell) and Kenneth (Betsy). He was preceded in death by Irma, and by great-granddaughter Dempsey Burdick. He is survived by his wife, Marian; his 4 children; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; brothers: Tom Harris of American Fork, Utah, Bob Harris of San Diego; sisters: Ann McKernan of Sun City and Pat Barrett of Glendale; brother-in-law, Duane Richins of Mesa; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Herbert of Douglas. Viewing will be held Friday, May 19th, 2006 from 6-8:00 PM at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. Macdonald in Mesa. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday May 20, 2006 with viewing one hour prior at the LDS Udall Ward Building, 525 E. 2nd Ave. in Mesa. Internment will follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.
Posted by Caryn on April 22, 2013

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