Jesse Vernon Harris was born September 16, 1925 in Fayetteville, Arkansas to Jesse Clarence Harris and Alma (Rainey) Harris. He grew up in the Ray Community in Cherokee County before Fort Gibson Lake was formed. Until his death he had the honor of being the eldest of three surviving students from the old Ray School.

He first worked in road construction along with his father and later was employed by Ditch Witch as a welder.

Jesse was married to his loving wife, Oklalena (Merritt) Harris for 66 years until her death in 2012. While he was working in road construction the family moved frequently to follow his work. They settled in Wagoner, OK in 2000.

Jesse departed this life Saturday morning, August 22, 2020 in Wagoner, Oklahoma at the age of 94 years. His parents, Jesse Clarence and Alma Harris; his wife, Oklalena Harris and a granddaughter, Luella Star Flores preceded him in death.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Vernon Ray and Janice M. Harris of Denton, Texas; his daughter, Wynoka Sunday of Enid, Oklahoma; two grandsons, Austin Harris and his wife, Felicia of Little Elm, Texas and Gavin Harris of Los Alamos, New Mexico; great-grandchildren, Riley Harris and Samantha Harris of Little Elm, Texas; other extended family and friends.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, August 28 in the Chapel at Mallett Funeral Home. Officiating will be Dan Fredman.

It is requested that all attendees wear masks.

Interment will be in Hulbert Community (I.O.O.F.) Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dan Fredman, Jimmy Leopard, Neal Rice and Bill Patterson.