Donald E. Harris

Donald E. Harris, born in Detroit February 17, 1933, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2023 at age 90.  Beloved husband of Margaret Anthony for 65 years.  Devoted father of Jody Harris, Anne (the late Robert)Nolan, Donald (Denise)Harris, Jr., and the late Julie (Dale)Clark and Katherine Harris.  Dear grandfather of Christine, Daniel, Alexander, Ian, Conor, Jackson, Amanda, Theodore and Rhys.  Great grandfather of Charlie and Aubrey. Brother of Tamira (Stephen Reineck) Harris.

Don enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Korea as an Airman First Class. He served as Assistant Crew Chief on B-29s and served in the Strategic Air Command both in the bomber command and air refueling squadrons in the 98th Bomb Wing, 343rd Bomb Squadron in Japan. Don received the United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medal with two battle stars: Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Don and Margaret married in 1957 and while raising their family, Don attended Wayne State University followed by Eastern Michigan University and earned three degrees in education, including Master’s and Education Specialist degrees. Don was a teacher and administrator in both general and special education, working for Livonia Public Schools for 32 years, later working for Madonna University following retirement.

Don was Assistant Coach for Franklin High School Varsity Baseball for many years and is still fondly referred to as “Coach” by many who knew him. Don was renowned for his love and passion for cars, owning over 40 different cars over his lifetime, including his prized Model A Tudor, ’97 Camaro and ’66 Mustang. He was an automotive expert and was always free to offer car advice and repair.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia. A Funeral Service will be held May 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, followed by burial service at 2:30PM at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (www.bloodcancerfoundationmi.org)

Please share a memory of Don by signing his Guestbook at http://www.rggrharris.com