Joseph (Joe) M. Harris, Sr.

Joseph (Joe) M Harris, Sr., 81, of Pueblo, Colorado, passed away August 16, 2016. Joe was born on January 24, 1935, in Pueblo, Colorado. The native Puebloan was a proud member of the Pueblo Central High School Class of 1953. He served 8 years in the Naval Reserve with an Honorable Discharge. He was employed at CF & I over 31 years; and worked in various departments, but predominantly in the Blast Furnace. He was a life member of Eureka Lodge No. 2 F & AM with 55 years of active service. He was a founding member of the Ambassadors Club. Joe had a long time commitment to the men and women he worked with; and helped to establish the annual Blast Furnace reunion where he served as committee Chairman for 30 years. He was a long-time supporter of the American Legion and United Steelworkers of America Local Union No. 2102. Joe had a strong commitment to the Pueblo community as a founding member of the Pueblo Juneteenth Day Celebration committee, former member of the Pueblo Historical Society, an artifact contributor and historian for the Lincoln House Orphanage as well as a Charter member of the Bessemer Historical Society (Steelworks Museum), where he served as tour guide volunteer and artifacts contributor. His love of horticulture led him to acquire his certification as Master Gardener from the CSU Extension Program. His love of the outdoors inspired him to work for 24 years with the City of Pueblo Parks Department. He was a member of the St. Paul First AME church for over 65 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, David L. and Josephine Harris; his sisters, Ella (Harris) Parrish, Virginia (Harris) Hood, Mafir (Harris) Adams; and brother, David A. Harris. Joe is survived by his wife, Ada, married 54 years; and two sons, Joseph M., Jr. and Troy Garner. He is also survived by three nieces and two nephews. Public viewing will be held 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at TG McCarthy Funeral Home. A Celebration of his life will take place 2 p.m., Thursday, August 25, 2016, at First AME Church. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.tgmccarthy.com. Arrangements by T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home.