Arthur Bass Harris

Williamston, Michigan

“God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us.” Romans 5:8

Arthur (Art) Bass Harris, age 87, was called home to the arms of our loving Father in heaven, and too many other family members whose arms are open and waiting as well.

Arthur was born to Thomas R. Harris and Anna Hellene Savina January 15th, 1927 in Atlanta, GA. After his family moved west to the Salt Lake Valley area, Arthur met and fell in love with the 1st love of his life. On June 11, 1945 Arthur married Maud Elizabeth Nielsen, together they raised 5 beautiful children: Betty Lynn Bender (Gary), who later became Mills, Thomas Robert Harris (Kathy), Arthur Charles Harris (Pam), Michael Scott Harris (Lynn), and Brenda Susan Thorpe (Derek). Art and Maud’s union produced numerous grandchildren and countless great-grandchildren: all who will miss Grandpa Art profoundly.

Arthur’s life can be defined as extraordinary. He supported our country by serving in 3 wars including WWII, Vietnam, and Korea, surviving and returning from each to his family. Art will be remembered by those closest to him as being extremely bright, capable, but also demanded excellence of those around him. However, in later years with the death of his beloved wife Maud, his precious 1st born daughter Betty, in addition to the sudden deaths of Thomas, Charles and Michael, Arthur learned that life is more about compassion, understanding, patience and faith.

Arthur was proud of his heritage as a US soldier following in his father’s footsteps, serving was a way of life for him so much so that after active duty was done he then moved into a civil service role, working with the Corps of Engineers, which in and of itself took him to places all over the world.

After the death of his second wife, Pennie Jakeman, Art moved in with his only remaining living child Brenda, and her family, in Michigan. There he found a new home filled with love and laughter, a place that he could be surrounded by people who loved him unconditionally, who brought smiles to his heart, filled his days with joy till his Father in heaven called him home.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 21st, 2014 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 431 E. Saginaw Street, East Lansing, Michigan. Visitation with the family will be from 10:30 until services begin at 11:00 a.m.