Charles M. Harris
Charles M. “Charlie” Harris, 94, passed away on September 13, 2017 at Goshen Hospital. He
was born on July 21, 1923 in Goshen, IN to Clarence J. and June (Beck) Harris. Charlie
graduated from Jefferson High School in 1942. He enlisted in the US Navy and served in WWII
as a gunner on merchant marine ships. After the war, Charlie enrolled in the Indiana College of
Mortuary School and was licensed as a funeral director in 1950. In 1952, Charlie purchased the
Carr Funeral Home in Syracuse. In 1961 he purchased the Troxel Funeral Home in North
Webster. Charlie built the new Harris Funeral Home in 1976 , on State Road 13 between the two
towns, combining the two businesses into a new facility to serve both the Syracuse and North
Webster, as well as surrounding communities. With partner Joe Blocker he also served the
Goshen area beginning in 1963 with his purchase of the Blocker-Harris 5
th
Street Chapel. Charlie
was a 60 plus year member of the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club where he remained active
until his passing. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and had recently received the Charlie Harris
Lifetime Achievement Award which is named in his honor. He was a member of the IFDA,
having recently been made a Lifetime Isaac Ball Fellow. He was recognized as the oldest
practicing, licensed funeral director in the State of Indiana. Charlie’s life was a life of service and
he lived the Rotary 4-Way Test, this he exemplified not only in his profession but through the
numerous organizations of which he was a member: Calvary United Methodist Church, the
American Legion, VFW, Airstream Club, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Shrine as well as serving
on the Syracuse Cemetery and Museum boards. Charlie is survived by his Life Partner Donna
Workman. Son Michael (Becky) Harris. Daughter Ginger (Jeff) Shriver. 6 Grandchildren –
Heather Ann (Nate) Everingham, Christopher Michael Harris, Abigail Lynn (Matt) Slone,
Andrew Jeffrey (Erin) Shriver, Charles Kegan Shriver, and Kirsten Shriver. 7 greatgrandchildren.
He is also survived by his niece Johanna Miller-King. He was preceded by his wife Anna Harris.
Son Bret Alan Harris. Sister Jayne Miller. Nephew Jim Miller. Niece Brenda Sue Miller. Calling
will be on Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 3-8 PM at the Eastlund Funeral Home. Services
will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 2 PM at the funeral home with calling two hours
prior from noon until 2. Pastor Brad Cox will officiate. Burial will follow at the Syracuse
Cemetery with Military honors. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the Calvary
United Methodist Church for fellowship and refreshments. The family kindly requests memorial
contributions in Charlie’s name be made to the Syracuse Museum or to the Calvary United
Methodist Church.