He was born December 23, 1928 in rural Prairie Home, Missouri, to Joel T. and Tena (Baker) Harris. He married Darlene E. Kennedy in Peoria on July 18, 1959. She passed away August 20, 2007 in Peoria. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and one grandson.
Walt is survived by his daughter, Janice (Larry) Little of Peoria, one grandson, Christopher Little of Peoria, and three nephews, Col. Samuel Harris of Weatherford, Texas, Richard Harris of Wichita, Kansas, and Stephen Sherrick of St. Louis, Missouri.
He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Trustee under Dr. Bruce W. Dunn.
He served honorably in the United States Army from 1946 to 1948 attaining the rank of TEC 4. Walts unit was B Battery 57th Field Artillery Battalion.
Following his time in the military, Walt graduated from Brown’s Business College, Peoria in 1950.
He then worked as an accountant and business manager for Champion Furnace Pipe Company in Peoria. Walt retired in 1994 as President of the company.
Graveside services with Military Rites will be Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2 p.m. in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made in Walt’s name to Grace Presbyterian Church or to the American Heart Association.
You may view Walt’s obituary online at www.Davison-Fulton.com
He showed great love for God, family and country. He will be forever missed in this lifetime.
Until we meet again…
