Omega D-Day Harris

Omega “Mick” D-Day Harris, age 75, of Hot Springs, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 23, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Henry Everett Harris and Agnes Ames Harris.

After graduating high school in Minneapolis, he signed on to serve his country in the Unites States Navy at the age of seventeen. He served in the Navy from 1961-1965, during which time his ship was responsible for sending planes to the war front. During his adventures on the sea, he had some amazing experiences. While on his ship, he met John Wayne, who was filming “In Harm’s Way.” That same ship picked up the first US Astronaut. And he got to witness the 1964 Summer Olympics in Japan.

After his military service, he returned to Minnesota where he worked for Munsingwear as a mechanic. That was also when he met Sandra Slancik, whom he married in 1968 in Ashland, Wisconsin. They had three children together.

He then moved to Iowa where he would begin a nearly three decade career with Aalf’s

Manufacturing as a sewing machine mechanic and head mechanic, serving plants in northwest Iowa, Arkansas, and Mexico.

In 1994, he married Bette (Olson) Leaverton at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. Together, they enjoyed country western dancing and helped form a dancing group of close friends called the Drifters. Mick and Bette taught dance lessons at a local college for twelve years. They competed in contests, raising money for charity events through dancing. Their dancing even won them at trip to the CMA Music Awards in Nashville.

In 2000, they moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas. After the closure of Aalf’s, Mick went to Garland Co.

Community College where he graduated with an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. Mick then worked for United Blood Services, and then semi-retired and worked maintaining condos in the Hot Springs area. He and Bette continued their dancing, two-stepping their way into the hearts of many friends. He participated annually in the Dancing For a Cause fundraiser and raised thousands of dollars for scholarships. When he wasn’t dancing or spending time with family, Mick could be found on the golf course with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Henry Harris, and a nephew, Mike Harris.

Mick is survived by his wife, Bette, of Hot Springs; three children, Shawn Harris and wife Emily Jensik of Denver, Colorado, Nicolas (Kendra) Harris of Monument, Colorado, and Trina Harris and husband Mick Healy of Duvall, Wahsington; three stepchildren, Lana Leaverton of Spencer, Iowa, Rich (Sue) Leaverton of Sioux Center, Iowa, and Derek (Leigh) Leaverton of Pearcy; four brothers, Victory Harris, Ray (Judy) Harris, Patrick Melartin, and Thomas Melartin; one sister, Marie O’Neill; one sister-in-law, Barb Harris; eleven grandchildren, Hailey White, Lucas Healy, Penelope and Paisley Harris, Anna Groszkrueger, Jeremy (Kayla) DeWit, Ben (Tessa) DeWit, Vincent Leaverton, William Leaverton, Cyrus Leaverton, and Ryker Leaverton; one great grandson, Theodore Cole; and many nieces and nephews.

Mick’s celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Gross Funeral Home, Hot Springs.