Michael R. Harris

Michael R Harris, loving husband and father of 3 passed away peacefully, surrounded by family,  on Friday January 28th at a hospice facility in Kansas City. He was born in Fort Wayne Indiana on November 6th, 1942, to Ernest T and Joyce Harris. 

Michael is survived by his wife Julia (Judy) Elizabeth Shiel Harris and his three children - Michelle Louise Harris, Michael (Rhody) Harris and Mathew Ross Harris. Michael is also survived by 5 grandchildren Tessa Harris, daughter to Michelle, Isaac (Zeke) Benjamin Harris, Ruby Emerson Harris children to Rhody and Raif Leeds Harris, Dominick Ross Harris children to Mathew. Michael's parents Ernest and Joyce and siblings Steven and Judy Brown preceded him in death. 

Michael’s favorite thing was “speed”. Speed in daily life - being decisive, getting to places on time, and keeping on the go. Speed was also important on the water and on the track. Michael was an avid racer, racing boats as a child and cars later in life.

Michael’s career was centered around sales. Selling boats in Indiana in the 1970s, real estate in Kansas City in the 1980s, and finally his favorite job, selling historical books through small local town newspapers throughout the United States. Michael was a consummate people person. Sales came naturally to him. Selling books and visiting small towns was a perfect fit for his personality. He liked to be on the go, loved to be behind the wheel - traveling to new destinations. He was easy to like, and comfortable connecting with new people. His career selling books was a perfect fit. He was good at it and was able to connect with new people throughout the United States.

Above all else Michael loved his family. He had a dedicated and personal relationship with his wife, all his children, and especially his grandchildren. Each of his 5 grandchildren had their own unique relationship with Michael - spending hours in conversation with him. He would travel to see them play sports and witness their life’s milestones. He would discuss in depth with them their specific interests, thoughts, philosophies and life goals. Regardless of their age, he would patiently connect with them at their level. They loved him dearly. 

Michael was an avid reader, a deep thinker, and an excellent conversationalist. He was able to find common ground with everyone, regardless of political or religious beliefs. He excelled at making connections with people and finding the good in them. 

Michael was also a big sports fan, dedicated to the Kansas City Chiefs and Indiana basketball (a fact that his die-hard KU basketball family members find just adorable!)

Michael’s family will be having a Prayer Service on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Cure of Ars Catholic Church.  The service will be livestreamed on the day of the funeral and this is the link to the livestream:  www.cureofars.com/funeral