John Harris Obituary

John A. Harris, 91, died December 9, 2025 in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born January 1, 1934 to J.W. and Bernita Harris. He lived in Lawrence most of his life with a couple of years in Eudora.

He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1951. After graduation, he attended the University of Kansas. He started in the lumber business at Logan Moore in Lawrence. Later he became a co-owner of Eudora Lumber Company. He designed house plans for many customers over the years. In 1991, the lumber yard burned. John continued designing homes and worked part-time at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for over 20 years.

John started dating Janie Schaake while they were in high school. They were married September 2, 1956, at First Christian Church, Lawrence. Their marriage lasted 65 years.

He was a 75-year member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He served on many committees, sang in the Chancel Choir and was an Elder.

John had season tickets to KU football and basketball games for many years. He enjoyed traveling to out-of-town KU football games with a group of friends. John had a pilot's license and even flew to a few games. After he gave up his tickets, he bought a big screen tv to continue watching the Jayhawks.

He was a 50-year member of the Breakfast Optimist Club. Two of the projects he enjoyed were handing out dictionaries to the fourth graders in Douglas County schools and the Christmas tree lot. Occasionally, he and fellow Optimist Gary traveled to Wautoma, Wisconsin to pick up the trees for the club and bring them back to Lawrence.

John is survived by his daughter Jan, son-in-law Tim Matlack, grandson Johnathan Matlack (Sarah Zabokrtsky), granddaughter, Kelly Mayer and her husband Adam Mayer, great-granddaughters Adalee Joy Mayer, Kyra Jolene Mayer, great grandson, Jaxon Zabokrtsky, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janie, his parents, sister Merlene Howell, brother-in-law Phil Howell, sister-in-law Dorothy Schaake and brother-in-law Dwane Schaake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to the Good Samaritan fund at Presbyterian Manor, or a charity of your choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday prior to the graveside at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. The casket will be closed.

For more information or to post a condolence, go to warrenmcelwain.com