Darryl Grant Harris

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Darryl Grant Harris

Sat, 01/23/2021 - 16:51
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Darryl was born in August of 1939 to Homer G. and Cathleen Harris, in the city of Denver.

His child hood was typical of many kids of his age. He was a child during WWII. While his father was away at war, his mother worked, so he spent a lot of time with his Grandparents. He told stories of helping his Grandmother Beshore put on her girdle, and of a Grandfather who spoke Dutch better than English. He graduated from HS in Englewood CO. A couple of years later he joined the Army, and became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne.

After serving in the military, he met and married his wife of 51 years, Sandra R Steele. Together they had 3 children, Grant D Harris, Darelyn R Harris, and Justin L Harris. They lived in Englewood until 1973, then they moved to Enid, OK.

While living in Enid, Darryl opened a gymnastic school. He started out in his own garage, and soon expanded into 3 other buildings. The 3rd building was at the Army National Guard building. There, he met the commanding officer, who talked him into joining the Guard. He served in the National Guard for 25 years.

Even after moving his family to Ponca City in 1978, he continued to serve at the unit in Enid. In Ponca, he continued to coach gymnastics at Kems Gym for many years. He retired from Smith International also.

Darryl’s spiritual life was important to him. He was active in his church in many ways. He was a reader, he taught Sunday school, and he was a counter. He attended church and adult Bible study almost every Sunday. His love for the Lord showed in how he lived his life. He was patient, loving, caring, thoughtful, and fair.

He loved, and provided for, and took care of his family to the best of his ability. Sometimes, he worked 3 jobs. He and his wife Sandra, worked together like a well oiled machine. They made a great team. Together they cheered their kids at sporting events, and all their extracurricular activities.

Darryl loved to hunt, target shoot [he won quite a few trophies and medals], and fish. He loved collecting knives, and guns also.

He is survived by his 3 children, daughter in law Suzanne, [wife to Grant], 2 granddaughters, Sveta and Stella, and 2 younger brothers, Kemper, and Randall. He is also survived by Sandra’s 2 siblings, Robert Steele, and Connie Crowley, and 2 nieces, Lea and Leslie and 1 nephew, Kemper B.

Darryl lost Sandra 6 years ago. While going to Hospice group therapy, he met his 2nd wife, Anne Stokes. Together they filled each others lives with happiness, and were able to make several trips together. He’d always loved to travel.

So, for those of us who knew and loved him, we are going to honor his life, and send him on his next journey, with a memorial service on Wednesday, January 27th ,at 10:00 AM, at Grace Episcopal Church, in Ponca City. Masks are required. For those who can’t be there in person, the service will be livestreamed on the church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ Grace-Episcopal-Church-Ponca-City-OK-120343471309961/

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