Friday, March 29, 2024

Robert Banks Harris – Obituary

Harris, Robert (1) 001Robert Banks Harris, age 81 years, a resident of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, March 16, 2015, at 10:12 a.m. in Carbondale, Illinois

Bob was born December 20, 1933 in Carbondale.  He was the son of A.B. Harris and Helen (Reynolds) Harris.

Bob was formerly united in marriage to Barbara Joan Lucas.  She survives of Carbondale.

Other survivors include his children; Jeff (Sharon) Rigg of Mt. Sterling, Laura (Steve) Thomas of Astoria, Ted (Lois) Rigg of Little Sandy, Texas, Dierdre Harris of Dunfermline, and Nancy Harris of Carbondale; eight grandchildren, Nicholas Kruzan, Lindsey Whitehead, Brandon Thomas, Shaunea Miller, Nathan Rigg, Trista Rigg, Amber Rigg, and Brandi Rigg; and, two great grandchildren, Adalynn Kruzan and Trace Miller.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a son, Michael Rigg.

Bob was a 1953 graduate of Carbondale High School.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Bob was employed by Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO) at the Duck Creek Power Plant in Canton, Illinois

Bob was a former member and deacon of the First Baptist Church in Ashland, Illinois.  He later attended First Baptist Church in Carbondale.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and arrowhead collecting.  Bob also volunteered as a Boy Scout leader for many years.  He also enjoyed reading western novels, particularly the literary works of Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.  Rev. John Peterson will officiate.  Inurnment will be in Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail.

Memorials are suggested to the Hudelson Baptist Children’s Home, 1400 East McCord Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801.

To share a memory of Bob or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.