Obituary from the Bowling Green Times, 
Bowling Green, MO
March 2, 1950:

Charles Henry Harris, life long resident and highly respected citizen of Pike County, died suddenly at his home here early Saturday morning, February 25th, at the age of 72 years, two months and four days.

He was born December 21, 1877, on the old Harris homestead, three miles north of Bowling Green, a son of John L. and Margaret Montague Harris. Until six years ago, when he moved from the farm to this city, he spent his entire life on the place where he was born. As a youth he attended the Vine Hill rural school.

On September 2, 1896, he was united in marriage to Miss Lola East of Foley who survives to mourn the passing of her devoted helpmate of over a half century. To that union four children were born: two daughters, Mrs. Charles [Hilda] Givens and Mrs. Claude Irvin of this city, and a son, Tom Harris of Clarksville, survive. A son, John Evart, died March 4, 1908. He is also survived by five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends. He was the last surviving member of a family of three children.

He was converted a number of years ago under the pastorate of Rev. Frank Osborne.

Mr. Harris was a quiet unassuming man, of good reputation and character; charitable and hospitable, happiest when doing a kind act for a neighbor or a friend. He leaves to his family a heritage born of close communion with Nature and with Nature’s God. He was happy among 
the hills and prairies of his native county. He had many friends in Bowling Green and will be missed as a familiar figure on our streets.

Mr. Harris was a natural musician and played his violin, which he chose to call his “fiddle,” at many social affairs through the years. He played in contests and was featured on the radio several years ago. He was a devoted husband, father and friend, and a life long resident of Pike County.

His remains were in state at Bankhead’s Chapel, where services were conducted Monday afternoon by Rev. John W. Golden of Hannibal, using as his text 23rd Psalm. Interment in the Bowling Green Cemetery.

With Mrs. Blanche Jones as accompanist, Olin N. Bell, Tully Reeds, Robert Henry and Earl Benton Bibb sang “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Rock of Ages.” Casket bearers were Broady Calhoun of this city; Billy Sladex and Bill Morton of Louisiana; Willis Holmes of Foley; Shelby Ward of Clarksville and Bill Walker of Monroe City.

The many beautiful flowers were a silent tribute to the esteem in which he was held by his loved ones and friends.

We extend sympathy to the bereaved widow, other family members and sorrowing friends.

Among those from a distance who attended the last sad rites were Mrs. George Welch of Laddonia; Mrs. Claude Sitton of Foley; Mrs. Mary Mahood and daughter of Hannibal; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Walker of Monroe City; Luther Hallows and Mrs. Leon Chapius of Ashburn; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Harris and Mr. and Mrs. Shelby Ward of Clarksville and Paul Shotten, Miss Cathryn Shotten, Mrs. Emma Naxers, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kritz, Mr. and Mrs John Abbott, Mr. and Mrs. William Sladek Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Bill Morton, and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bolomey of Louisiana; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Johnson of St. Louis.

© 2000 Rhonda Stolte Darnell