John W Harris

John W. Harris, 94, of Mascoutah, IL formerly of Pekin, IL born Aug. 29, 1918 in Chillicothe, IL, died Saturday March 9, 2013 at Terrace on the Park, Mascoutah, IL.


Mr. Harris was employed at Caterpillar, Inc. for 45 years and a graduate of their four year machinist apprentice program. He was assigned to “green field” teams that established the Caterpillar Military Engine Co., Decatur, IL during WW II with manufacturing plants in Joliet, Aurora, Mapleton and Gosseslies, Belgium. During his career he held several positions from foreman to factory manager. He retired as Worldwide Training Manager from General Offices in 1981.


He served as past president of the Family Service Assn., Aurora, IL and Limestone Kiwanis Club. He was also a life member and officer of the American Society of Training and Development and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He was a member of Bartonville United Methodist Church and a member of the Empire Lodge #126 since 1941. In his youth, he was a Master Councilor, State Officer and Chevalier of the Order of Demolay. When his health permitted he was an active member of the Peoria Senior Golf Association and the Happy Hackers Senior Tennis Club at Glen Oak Park.


He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilynn G., nee Rennie, Harris whom he married in Canton, IL on Jan. 26, 1941 and who died Nov. 30, 2000, his parents, John Isaac and Amelia, nee Werner, Harris, his step-mother, Lola, nee Isenberg, Harris who raised him and a sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Roland) Warkle.


Surviving are his children, John W. (Karen) Harris II of Mascoutah, IL, Diana (Don) Walker of Wilmington, IL, Vicki (Jack) Flammang of Harrisburg, IL and Bruce (Linda) Harris of Parker, CO; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.


Memorials may be made to The Foundation for Mascoutah Schools, Inc., P.O. Box 79, Mascoutah, IL 62258.


Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 5 PM Thursday March 14, 2013 at the Moll Funeral Home, Mascoutah, IL.


Funeral: Funeral services will be held 5 PM Thursday March 14, 2013 at Moll Funeral Home with the Rev. Hugh Fitz officiating. Graveside services will be held 11 AM Friday, March 15, 2013 at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, IL.