NORTH PEKIN ~ Richard “Pawpaw” LaVerne Harris, 69, of North Pekin, passed away at 10:46 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025. After fighting cancer for 6 years, he passed away on his own terms surrounded by loved ones at home.
Born September 9, 1956 in Peoria to Paul “Pappy” and Carol (Cooper) Harris, he married Betty Burch on April 24, 1986 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are five children, Brandy (John) Vaupel of East Peoria, Richie (Lenore) Cohlmeyer of Springfield, Christina (Trent) McClanahan of North Pekin, Yavonda Kleckner of Pekin, and Michael (Tara) Weber of Peoria; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; eight siblings, Sherry, Shelia, TerryLynn, Paula, James, Jenise, Johnny, and Lucky and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings, Paul, Tina, Brian, Rick, and Bobby.
Richard loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, shooting pool, listening to music and playing cards.
There are no scheduled services at this time. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
