Robert E. Harris

Robert E. Harris, age 81, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, October 03, 2009, in Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.A son of the late Harry and Olive McKee Harris, Bob was born at Killbuck, Ohio on June 7, 1928. At the age of six his family relocated to New Philadelphia where Bob would spend the remainder of his years. A 1946 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Bob entered into the work force where he was one of the first employees hired by the former I.F. Manufacturing Company at New Philadelphia. There he would spend nearly forty years in a number of capacities that included the maintenance team, shift foreman, general maintenance foreman and ultimately would hold the position of production control manager. Bob was literally the last man to walk out of the plant and shut off the lights as the plant closed in 1986. It was during the early years of his tenure with I.F. Manufacturing that Bob caught the eye of a young lady by the name of Helen C. Lambros. Following a period of courtship the couple united in marriage on June 25, 1950 and together would rear two sons.For a number of years, the Harris family would enjoy the time spent together in their Pleasant Valley home which Bob himself was able to assist in the construction, plumbing and plastering while the house was being built. This craft would prove to be useful throughout the rest of his life as he would often come alongside others and aid them in completing similar tasks.In 1987, with son James at his side, Bob entered into partnership purchasing Coshocton Industries, Inc. Bob would use his years of expertise in the machining field to aid the company to success and would formally retire in 1995. However, for the next several years Bob would enjoy being called upon to share his valuable assets of knowledge to help solve problems and would especially enjoy the time spent on the road as he delivered parts to customers. Until the age of 45 Bob enjoyed playing softball and for a good number of years was the power hitter for the “Lone Oaks”. He also enjoyed league bowling and sharing in activates with the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. 510, where he was a life member. Additionally, Bob was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia.In his later years, Bob could be found working in his garage on various projects or helping his sons’ out in a number of different ways that included fixing mowers or tractors and would often spend Saturday’s at his son Robert’s helping him mow. In addition to his wife of 59 years, Bob is survived by his two sons, James Harris of New Philadelphia and Robert J. (Amy) Harris of Sugarcreek and a brother, Stanley M. (Louise) Harris of New Philadelphia.Five talented granddaughters, Drs. Kristen (Jeff) Longman of Wilmington, North Carolina, Traci (Ryan) Moreland of Brunswick, Ohio, Lauren (Tyler) Ellwood of Medina, Ohio, Erika Harris of Dover and Erin Harris of North Canton; three great-granddaughters, Morgan and Kaylee Longman and Alexis Ellwood as well as three nephews, David Harris, Tim Cotton, and John Cotton complete the family.In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley E. Cotton, a niece, Linda Hauger, and a nephew, Brad Cotton.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, from 4:00 â?? 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The New Philadelphia Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 510 will conduct a lodge of sorrow service at 6:45 PM in the funeral home.Friends are invited to call again one hour prior to services, on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, from 9:30 â?? 10:30 AM. Rev. Dr. Steven Bailey will lead a celebration of Bob’s life in the funeral home’s chapel at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Following services, the family will host a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Bob’s name may do so by directing gifts to The First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.