John R. "Dick" Harris, age 88, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Gables Care Service, Hopedale.

A proud lifelong resident of Jewett, Dick was born November 25, 1935, to parents John and Angeline Harris. He graduated from Jewett High School in 1953 and went to Columbus Business School for accounting. In 1955, he enlisted in the US Air Force and honorably served his country until 1958. He worked for over 30 years for Republic and LTV Steel. After retiring, he started his second, and most fulfilling job, for the Harrison County Veterans Service Office, driving veterans to doctor and hospital appointments, primarily in the Pittsburgh, PA area. In 2022, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System honored him for volunteering more than 14,000 hours and driving more than 200,000 miles, over a 21-year period. Dick never met a stranger, and he continued his kind and generous nature by donating to many worthwhile organizations.

Dick was a member of the Jewett Sportsman's Club, who loved fishing, hunting, raising and working his prize Beagles, and gardening, harvesting, and canning various vegetable concoctions. He was also a member of the Scio American Legion Post 482 and was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was preceded in death by a son Kevin, longtime partner Thelma Bailie, sisters Francine and Jeannie, a brother Neal, a sister-in-law Betty and a nephew John Michael "Stick" Harris.

Surviving is his daughter Dawnita Chichilla, granddaughter Jessica (Bryan) Considder and great grandson Kayden all of Pittsburgh, PA; a niece Judy (Randy) Giacobbi of Cadiz; Randy Wright, whom he considered a stepson; Rhonda Harris, wife of Stick Harris; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to list.

Services will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 4 pm in Koch Funeral Home, 101 W Main St, Scio with Pastor Mark Statler officiating. Military honors will be provided by Scio American Legion Post 482. Friends may call prior to the service Thursday from 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to The Humane Society of Harrison County, PO Box 404 Cadiz, Ohio 43907.

The Humane Society of Harrison County Ohio
PO Box 404, Cadiz OH 43907