Bob F. Harris

Bob was born March 12, 1941 in Evansville to T. Frank and Anna M. (Schumacher) Harris. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Rev. James F. Harris.

Bob and his wife Barbara were married August 14, 1965 at the Ambia Methodist Church with Bob’s Brother, Rev. James F. Harris, presiding.

After being honorably discharged from the US Army, Bob completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Secondary Education at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. Bob taught Printing and established the Photography program during his 13 years at William Henry Harrison High School in Evansville.

Bob later joined the teaching staff at New Harmony School as the Industrial Arts teacher, teaching Woodshop, Mechanical Drawing, Computer-aided Drafting, Electricity, and Metals until his retirement in 2001.

Bob began his service to Scott Township by joining the Scott Township Civic Club, ultimately serving as Civic Club President. His service with the Civic Club led directly to his career in local politics.

He was elected to the Scott Township Advisory Board in the fall of 1978, serving a 4 year term. Bob was then elected as Scott Township Trustee, taking office in January 1983. He held this position for over 38 years.

During his terms as Trustee, Bob transformed the Scott Township Fire Department from a small, rural volunteer department into a modern Firefighting and Emergency Medical Service operation. He also established the Scott Township Parks and revitalized the Scott Youth Baseball program. In addition, Bob established the first free, public Pickleball courts in Vanderburgh County.

Bob was active for several years in the local Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He was on the Hospital Committee of the Hadi Shrine in Evansville, helping to transport children to the Shriners hospitals in Cincinnati and St. Louis. In addition, Bob served on the Red Cross Blood Council for several years.

For over 20 years, Bob and Barbara served as Blue and Gold Officers for the U.S. Naval Academy. In this role, they recruited potential applicants and served as counselors for applicants to the Academy.

Bob became involved with Boy Scout Troop 350 when his sons joined Scouting. For decades, he served as Troop Committee Chair and, in his role as Township Trustee, sponsored the Troop. Bob also served as the Chair of the Eagle Scout Board of Review for the Buffalo Trace Council. He also took an active role teaching Merit Badge Classes and planning and executing camping trips and activities for the Troop.

A lifelong Christian, Bob was saved at age 9 at the Walnut Street Baptist Church. He was active in church throughout his life. Bob and Barbara joined Northwoods Church shortly after its founding, with Bob serving as one of the original Church Deacons until failing health forced his retirement from active service in the church in the past few years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara, his two sons Brian J. Harris of Woodbridge, Virginia and Brent E. Harris of Bloomington, Indiana, and his sister Virginia F. Pate of Lindale, Texas

Visitation was held at Northwoods Church, 9920 North Green River Road, Evansville, on Friday April 23, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Saturday April 24, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Funeral services were held at Northwoods Church on Saturday April 24, 2021 at 12:30 PM with burial in Centenary Cemetery in his beloved Scott Township.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Scott Township Fire Department.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.