Oscar Harris

Life Reflections Oscar Harris was born March 3, 1928, the first child of six born to Neal and Annie Harris in Beloit, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; siblings Barbara Whitmore Gordon Harris, William Harris and Neal harris. Oscar attended Beloit High School Beloit College and left mid-stream to serve our country. Oscar enlisted in the United States Army in October 1950 and served for 24 years. While based at Camp Pendleton in Indiana, he encountered a young lady that he was very interested in getting to know better. Her name was LaVerne Elizabeth Ming. That meeting later turned into love. They married August 29, 1954 and remained happily married until LaVerne's death on November 25, 1994. Oscar and LaVerne were blessed with four children, Darryl Archie, Kathy Ann, Diana Yolanda and Kevin Neal. Blessings continued to come to the family with the birth of granddaughter Jasmine Elizabeth, grandson Kristofer Blaine Quentin, and great grandson Jaxon Ian Oscar. Family meant everything to Oscar and he cherished every moment with them. Oscar's military career after basic and advanced training began with Infrantry Recon and Intelligence. Following this period, the remainder of his service was primarily Infantry intelligence and Operations from Battalion to Division Level. Military service included overseas tours to Korea (2nd Infantry Division, 9th Regiment - 1951-1952); Germany (1955-1959 47th Infantry Regiment; 370th Armored Infantry Battalion; 1st Armored Rifle Battalion, 46th Infantry) and Vietnam (196th Light Infantry Brigade 1966-67 and 2nd Brigade, 1st Calvary Division 1969-1970). Awards and decorations received include: Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and The Purple Heart while in Vietnam. Oscar attained the Highest Rank - Command Sergeant Major (Non- Commissioned Officer). After retiring from the Army, Oscar attended St. Louis Community College at Meramec and received his Associate of Science Degree in Communications. His second career included working with the St. Louis Visitors and Convention Bureau. Hoover Brothers Audio Visual and serving with the Projectionist Union. Oscar then became self employed as a Meeting/Planning Con- sultant. Oscar was the partriach of the Ross Hill Family and enjoyed working with the planning and execution of our Reunions for many years, assuring the facility chosen was first class, and all the equipment to meet the reunion needs were met. Although quiet in his approach, Oscar was a tough negotiator who always kept the best interest of the family in the forefront. Oscar was a faithful member of Harrison Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in Kirkwood. He was ordained a Deacon in 1994 under the Pastorate of Rev. Jeffery Croft. In 2013, Deacon Harris was recognized as "Deacon Emeritus" of Harrison Avenue. Oscar also served on the Trustee Board. He loved his church and loved God. Oscar encouraged others in his congregation and was looked up to and respected especially by the young adults in the church in some cases serving as a "father figure". In 1996, Oscar met a beautiful lady who soon became a special "Love" in his life in the person of Queen Everett Davie. Queen and Oscar have spent these past years to the present time enjoying each other's company, laughing traveling, spending time together as a couple, and with us all, as a family. He had a great fondness for the "Alabama Crew". Oscar had many other passions in his life. He served as a volunteer at Keysor Elementary School, Kirkwood School District, became a technological "guru" and his knowledge had others seeking his advice on the best computer, best phone, etc. Oscar was a member of the American Legion Post 156, Kirkwood, MO, 12th Cavalry Regiment Association. The military Order of the Purple Heart and the 196th Light Infantry Brigade Association. Left to carry on the love and memories are his children, Darryl, Kathy, Diana, Kevin; grandchilden Jasmine and Kristofer; great grandson Jaxon; brother Robert (Edna) Harris of Vallejo, CA; sister-in-law, Shirley Harris of Chicago, IL,; aunt Margaret Rhue of Corona, CA. Oscal also leaves to carry on his memory a very special and dear lady, Queen Everett Davie; nieces and nephews; Stephanie Whitmore, Tracey Whitmore, Martin (Laura) Whitmore, Lorna Margaret Harris, Cynthia (Gerald) Harris-Boyd, Steward (Lisa) Harris, William Harris, Jr., Cheryl Bryan, David (Marion) Harris, Kimberly Harris and Kimberly (Ngozi) Egbuna, and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Interment: J.B. National Cemetery 2900 Sheridan Road St. Louis, MO 63125 .