Charles W. Harris

Charles Wilbur Harris, 83, 0f Topeka passed away Monday May 18, 2009 at Colmery O’Neil VA Medical Center.

He was born March 13, 1926 in Scranton the son of Charles Smith and Anna (Anderson Harris.  Charles was an Army veteran serving in the field artillery during WW II.  He served in the Philippines and Okinawa.

Charles was employed as a nurse assistant at the VA Hospital for thirty-three years before he retired.  He previously worked for the AT & SF Railroad.

He enjoyed fishing and playing bingo but most of all spending time with friends and family here and in New England.

Charles was a member of Mater Dei Parish and a life member of Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW.

He was married to Maureen (Pearl) Howes on September 2, 1999 at Council Grove, she survives.

Other survivors include a sister Davenna Ross of Osage City, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.   He is also survived by two step sons, Robert and Michael Howes, a step daughter, Mary Basham, and four step granddaughters, Chandra Willard, Justine Willard, Vanessa Gilchrest and Serena Howes.   He was preceded in death by a son Charles Leigh Harris on April 15, 1994, a brother Grover Harris and a sister Evelyn Heaney.

Mr. Harris will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a parish rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Friday at Mater Dei’s Holy Name Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary cemetery in St. Marys with military honors provided by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei’s Holy Name Church or the VA Hospital Activity Fund sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com