Walter C. Harris

Walter C. Harris, 82, of Springfield, died on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at his home surrounded by his devoted family after a long battle with Parkinsons. Walter was born in Chicago, IL on February 16, 1926, the son of Walter C. Sr. and Elizabeth Bessie Clifford Harris. He married Shirley Ann Waterman on October 29, 1949, the daughter of Raymond and Goldie Durbin Waterman of Taylorville, IL. Walter graduated from St. Mel's Catholic High School in Chicago on June 6, 1944, which was D-Day. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in World War II and served with the 90th Division, 359th Infantry Regiment D in three European Theater of Operation campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded a Purple Heart with Cluster and a Bronze Star. Walter received a Bachelor's Degree from Bradley University, Peoria, IL in 1950. After being commissioned, he served twenty-seven months in the Korean War with the 13th Air Force in the Philippines. He attended Georgetown University Graduate School and received a Masters Degree in History from Illinois State University at Normal, IL in 1954. Walter taught history, political science and social studies at McHenry Junior and Senior High Schools, Whittier High School in CA and Taylorville High School until 1972. He was an assistant manager at the Illinois State Library and a research associate for the Illinois General Assembly until his retirement in 1990. Walter served as Democrat Precinct Committeeman for twenty-five years and was treasurer of the North End Democrats. After retiring, Walter volunteered at St. Joseph Church and at the parish school for ten years. He was a member of the World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial Committee and served as Chairman of it's History Committee. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Knights of Columbus Council #364 and a long time member of the 90th Division Association. Walter was an avid fisherman and traveler enjoying many trips with Shirley and his family to lakes and rivers across the country. He loved the ocean and enjoyed vacationing on many beaches during his retirement. His children and grandchildren have adopted Walter's lifelong commitment to higher education and public service to his country, his community and his church. He was a devoted husband and father to his family and a loving grandfather. Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Harold and one son, Jeffrey Francis; grandparents, George J. and Mary Amelia Burns Harris and Michael and Elizabeth Cranley Clifford all of Chicago. He is survived by The Group: Shirley, his loving wife of fifty-eight years and four children; David (wife, Margie), Kevin (wife, Karen), Marianne Harris and Cecilia Tumulty (husband, David Wesselman) all of Springfield; grandchildren, Kelly Harris Perin (husband, Zachary) of Durham, NC, Brendan Harris of Chicago, Jesse McCarrel (wife, Nicole) of Virginia Beach, VA, Nicholas Harris of Olympia, WA, Collin and Zachary Harris and Jeremy and Erin Tumulty of Springfield; two great-grandchildren, Ella and Moses Perin; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Holinga, V. F., celebrant. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church and School, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702. "Peace be his journey to eternal life."