Gilbert “Gib” M. Harris
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Gilbert (Gib) Marvin Harris, 87 of Lawrence KS passed from this earth February 11, 2023.
He was born in Marquette KS, September 12, 1935, the third child of Dale and Iola (Hall) Harris. He married the love of his life, Gerda (Anderson) on January 25, 1957. Together they had three children, Tracey (Phil) Stout of Fort Collins CO, Trudy Harris of Overland Park KS and Troy (Sarah) Harris of LaSalle Ontario.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, his three children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Dwight and Galen, sisters Phyllis Johnson and Joyce Buffington, and his grandson Jake Best.
Gib served in the US Army for two years during the Korean conflict. He was a loyal employee of Southwestern Bell/AT&T for 34 years, beginning as a lineman and spending the last 25 years in management. Retiring at 55, one of his goals was to be retired for the same length of time as his career. He came within two years of achieving that goal.
He was the epitome of a family man, spending as much time with his immediate and extended family as possible. He was a “shade tree mechanic”, loved to work on cars, tend his vegetable garden and spend summer weekends at the lake with the kids and grandkids.
He was a long time member of the American Legion, VFW, Telephone Pioneers, and First Methodist Church of Lawrence.
When asked if there was anything he wanted his family and friends to know, his answer was “God has blessed me in so many ways I cannot begin to tell them all. He provided me with Life, Love, a wonderful wife, beautiful children and fantastic grandchildren and I want you all to know I still love you all very much as I did when I was still with you in person and I am so proud of all of you. I have lived the ‘American Dream’. I thank God every day of my life for all the blessings He has put in my life, but most of all for his son Jesus Christ who he sent to die for a sinner like me so that I may have life everlasting”
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Marquette Methodist Church in Marquette, KS. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service at the church. Military graveside services will follow the service at the Excelsior Cemetery in Marquette, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Marquette American Legion or St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.
A family man, story teller, water skiing instructor, and servant of God
What more is there to say – so many family members waiting to eat your mom’s famous pancakes around that heavenly table
Prayers to my cousins and all the extended family!
Sweet Gerda ,Trudy, Tracy, Troy and your extended families …so sorry to hear of Gibs passing… he was truly a friend of Jesus and a beloved member of our family. He was thought of often and loved by Mom and Dad and all of us “kids”.Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Sending peace and comfort during this time. So sorry for your loss. Prayers that the joyous memories of your husband, dad, grandpa and sibling will comfort you during this time. God Bless
Sending my sincere condolences.
Trudy: So sad for you to lose your Dad, but what a blessing of a man he was! Definitely, the best thing is that he knew the Lord, Jesus, his Savior. To know he’s in the presence of God now, is very comforting. Love you, and God bless all your family!
Trudy, know that I’m thinking about you and that I’m very aware how much your Parents mean to you (and each other)….. Your Dad will have total happiness while he waits for us, and good company as he does so. (I’m sure he knows ‘The Owner’)……
We are all sorry to hear of Gib’s passing. We have wonderful memories of a truly kind, patient and loving man with a great sense of humor. Sending our deepest condolences… Mel , Ben and Sam Harris
Loosing a parent at any time is difficult. My sympathies to Gerda, Tracey, Trudy and Troy
May your many happy memories help you through this sad event. So sorry for your loss, Trudy and family. Hugs! 🙏
Sorry for your loss Trudy, your father sounded like a great person.
Gib was a great neighbor.. always had a smile..loved it when we got together on the front porch to solve any problems that came up ..he and Gerda were such a loving couple..
Gerda and family, Gib had a special place in the heart of our family. His family and ours lived and grew up south of Marquette.
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Gerta and family, we send our sympathy to you all. We enjoyed seeing Gib out on his tractor to get the mail and he always had a smile! May the Lord provide each of you peace and surround you with sweet memories and love.
Gerda, I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Take care.