Pastor Donald R. Harris, 78, of Montpelier passed away Saturday, August 24, 2024 at his home.
He was born on December 5, 1945 in St. Charles, Missouri to Charles M. and Mildred M. (Hollander) Harris.
In 1964 Don graduated from Wentzville High School in Missouri. On October 24, 1964 he married GayLynn Gibson in Wentzville, and she survives.
After high school Don worked as an Auto Mechanic for 11 years, until he met Jesus. He began his career as a Pastor in 1977 at Soul’s Harbor Church, formerly the First Baptist Riverside (1977-1986), Living Word in Toledo (1986-1987), and Living Word in Stryker (1988-1993).
In 1993 He began his final call at the House of Prayer in Montpelier, before stepping down as the Senior Pastor in 2012. He was still active in Ministering at the House of Prayer during retirement where he served as an Elder.
Don is survived by his wife of 59 years, GayLynn; children Matthew (Donna) Harris of Delta, Ohio, Carla (Larry) Crane of Jeffersonville, Indiana, Leah (Jermale) Sykes of Fayette, Ohio, Charity L. Donnelly of Montpelier and Benaiah (Miranda) Harris of Montpelier; 16 grandchildren Matthew S. Harris, KayLynn Rayoum, Tia Jennings, Ethan Crane, Bryce Crane, Micah Garcia, Reyna Garcia, Zaria Garcia, Kevin Donnelly, II, Jackson Donnelly, Jillian Donnelly, Abigail Donnelly, Samantha Giesige, Clay Giesige, Benaiah J. Harris, II, and Justice E. Harris; twelve great grandchildren; and brother Charles (Nora) Harris of Stevensville, Montana.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Dennis Harris.
Visitation for Don will be on Thursday, August 29th from 4-8pm and Friday, August 30th from 3-8pm at the House of Prayer, 115 Empire Street in Montpelier.
A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, August 31st at 11am at the House of Prayer with Senior Pastor Benaiah Harris to officiate. A private interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier.
Memorial contributions may be given to GayLynn to help offset expenses.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com