Michael Earl Harris was born on March 5, 1948 in Wellington, Kansas to Earl Martin and Ruby Nadean (Seal) Harris.  Michael grew up in Wellington with his parents and five younger sisters, whom he was asked by his dad to watch out for, a nearly impossible task.  Growing up he looked up to his dad who taught him numerous life skills.  His dad got him interested in the railroad, which inspired Michael to later take a job with the Santa Fe railroad in Wellington.  In addition to working for the railroad, he spent many years working at Learjet in Wichita, where he was a lead man over machined parts inspection.  Michael's co-workers always came to him when they needed help with something, because they knew he would know the answer.  Continuing his aircraft career, he later went on to work at MPM in Wichita, where he eventually retired.

Proudly serving his country, Michael did a full tour with the United States Army, entering on July 18, 1967.  He served in the 9th Infantry Division in the Vietnam war from 1967-1968 before serving in Germany.  In Vietnam, Michael carried a radio for seven months, even though the life expectancy for a radio man was only six weeks.  He always had many stories including having his antenna shot off three times as well as being there during the Tet Offensive.  Michael received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 O/S Bars, Air Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Sharpshooter on the M-14.  He was released to the Army Reserve on July 8, 1971 and was honorably discharged on July 17, 1973 with the rank of Specialist E-4.

Michael always enjoyed the company of friends for a game of darts or cards, music and conversation, or simply to share a drink.  He had a love for animals of all kinds.  Michael enjoyed telling stories, archery, shooting guns, and sharing his firearm knowledge with friends.  He excelled at any kind of weaponry including guns, knives, or darts, but enjoyed the camaraderie just as much.

After a courageous battle with cancer and COPD, Michael passed away at his home in Belmont, Kansas at the age of 74.  Preceding Michael in death are his parents, Earl and Ruby Harris; brother-in-law, Johnny Lechtenberg; and niece, Michael Michelle Tate.  He is survived by his wife, Julie (Allton) Harris of the home; children: Robert Harris of Wellington, Sandy Hale (Buck) of Haysville, Andrew Kirkpatrick (Janna) of Harper, Douglas Baird (Erica) of Anthony, and Alec Mortimer of Harper; sisters: Connie Lechtenberg of South Haven, Janice Jackson (Ted) of Valley Center, Patti Lee (Jeff) of Durant Oklahoma, Mindy Beard (Jimmy) of Blackwell Oklahoma, and Cindy Harris of Wichita; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Memorial Service is 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2022 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Harper with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating.

Michael will be inurned at a later date next to his parents at the Rose Hill Cemetery near South Haven, Kansas and will receive military honors at that time for his service to his country.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058