Obituary: Ronald Allen Harris

Ronald Allen Harris, 71, of Newton, died Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Newton Presbyterian Manor.

He was born on Aug. 22, 1944, in Hominy, Okla., the son of Robert and Grace Harris Amburgey. His father was killed in an automobile accident in 1949. His mother would later re-marry, and Ronald was adopted by his stepfather, James C. Harris, in 1954.

Ronald married Wendy Ann Stacey on Jan. 21, 1966, in Tahlequah, Okla.

He taught music, both band and chorus in Stigler, Okla., for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in June 1966. Ronald was stationed at the Hamilton A.F.B. in California and served in the 573rd Air Force Band until being honorably discharged in January, 1970.

Ronald and Wendy moved to Newton in July 2000 to be closer to their son and his family.

Survivors include his wife Wendy of the home; son Nick R. Harris and his wife Kerry; granddaughters Kailey Nicole Harris, Kelsi Grace Harris and Avery Ann Harris, all of Newton; brother John Harris and his wife Michelle of Argyle, Texas; sisters Janet Bensinger and her husband John of Tulsa, Okla., and Leslie Garvin and her husband Lonnie of Hackett, Ark.; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his father Robert Amburgey; parents Grace and James Harris; great-nephew Alden Brown; uncle Jack Amburgey; aunt June McNett; uncle Clifton Harris; as well as his grandparents.

There will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, Ronald would like for you to take your family out to dinner and celebrate his memory. Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton.

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