Funeral services will be at 2 PM Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at the Church of God in Wagoner. The Reverend Carl Murphy and the Reverend Bruce Von Wald will officiate. Pallbearers will be Monte Harris, Brian Harris, Matt Green, Erik Fjeseth, Clint Acuff, Nathan Wahnee and Brandon Nation. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Rhodes, Gene Coburn, Paul Caywood, Fritz Braun, Vernon Costello, Vernon Goodman, Ab Nicholas, and all the friends and acquaintances who shared Cleo's love for hunting, fishing and a good story. Interment will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Hulbert, OK. Cleo Douglas Harris was born July 29, 1929, in Ray, Oklahoma. He went peacefully to be with his Lord, Sunday, August 9, 2009, at the age of 80 years and 11 days. Cleo owned and operated a masonry contracting business in the Wagoner area for many years prior to his early retirement. His craftsmanship can be seen in a large number of masonry structures built prior to 1984 in the Wagoner regional area. He is survived by: His Spouse of 60 Years, Carrie Louise Benton Harris Three Sons: Donald Ray Harris of Broken Arrow, and wife, Patsy Gail Albert Harris of Tahlequah, and wife, Gail Frank Harris of Wagoner and spouse, Tina One Daughter: Jacki Harris Crawford of Broken Arrow, and husband, Paul And One Daughter-In-Law: Bronwyn Harris of Kettle Falls, WA, wife of son, Douglas Harris (deceased) Seven Grandchildren: Donecia (pro. dawn-E-sha) Harris Acuff and husband, Clint Monte Harris Nathan Wahnee and wife, Kim Laura Wahnee Nation and husband, Brandon Valerie Harris Fjeseth ( pro. fee-S-eth) and husband, Erik Brian Harris and wife, Shannon Matthew Green and wife, Tracey Twelve Great-Grandchildren Davin Acuff Cason Acuff Logan Wahnee Alexa Wahnee Madison Nation Marissa Nation McKenna Nation Macie Nation Alexandria Fjeseth Katherine Fjeseth Gabrielle Fjeseth Mason Harris 3 Brothers: Leo Harris Willard Harris and wife, Robbie Michael Harris and wife, Beverly And, of course, many countless cousins, neighbors, and friends. Cleo was preceded in death by: Parents, Vester and Inez Massey Harris; and Son, Douglas Owen Harris. Also many beloved relatives and special friends who have passed from this life in recent years. Cleo Harris was born near, and attended, Ray Schools located in the area now known as Sequoyah State Park and Ft. Gibson Lake. Very early on, Cleo became smitten by a young lady who lived nearby: Carrie Benton. In fact, one might say, he simply would not take "no" for an answer. And, after proving many times he was willing to fight for his girl,' she ultimately said yes.' The couple was married on March 5, 1949, with long time friends, Jim and Pearline Rhodes standing in as witnesses. Since that time, 60 years ago, it has always been a special tradition including Jim & Pearline for their many anniversary celebration dinners. After marriage, Cleo and Carrie never wandered far from their roots. After renting a short while, they began building the family home located just outside Sequoyah State Parkthe home in which they have resided for almost 54 years. From the humble beginnings of a wooden base floor and an army tent, room by room the home was built by Cleo's hands, with a little help from family and friends. Most recently, he wanted to spruce the place up, but, of course, was too weak to complete the work himself. A special kudos and thanks go out to Travis Rhodes and his crew for seeing the work through to completion - despite interruptions of countless revisions' and daily story-telling time with Cleo. Cleo said, "I need to live to see it completed," and he was so proud of the outcome. One week prior to his death, his sons completed the painting and it was, indeed, a very special moment for everyone to take Cleo out to see the completed project. Cleo wanted to be the best at anything he attempted. That included being the strongest, fastest, and toughest at just about anything. And, for the most part, HE WAS. In his scrappy, young days, he, (in his words), poured it on' quite a few guys, and usually came out on right side of the fight. As he matured, his challenges were more about walking the tallest span out over the water on the Ft. Gibson Bridge as he worked as a riveter. Or, as a masonry contractor, performing entire complex job calculations in his head, pouring the most concrete, laying the most brick, and, of course, doing it faster than any challenger. He often liked to challenge' people he met to the fact that he thought he had the BEST kids in the word. Sometimes, a little embellishment might have been thrown on for the kids sake - because to hear him talk, their accomplishments included "single-handedly overthrowing the Enron crooks,", OR, "downing the largest log ever fell in Washington state," or some other amazing feat. Cleo Harris enjoyed life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, working his cattle, and of course, all his family and friends. He never met a stranger, and never wanted an enemy. He loved the Lord, and found great fulfillment in volunteering/working in the church. He was tough, but always a great provider for his family, and an honest man who worked to teach his children right from wrong. But, for those who knew him best, you knew that he simply COULD NOT RESIST telling a good story. He told storiesvery vivid stories-- right up until the day of his death. And, those with him confirmed that, he still, for the most part, had the story straightjust told with a little slower delivery. He once said, "I never dreamed I would see 80 years. So, if I make 80, any day after that will just be a gift." These last 11 days were just that: a gift of immeasurable quality. His wife, children, family, and friends were blessed to be with him at home, laugh with him, marvel at his strength and toughness - even facing deathand most of all - blessed by getting to hear one last story from the Master Story Teller, Cleo Harris.