Jerald Donald Harris

Jerald Donald “J.D.” Harris Sr., 90 year old longtime Seminole County, Oklahoma resident, passed from this life on April 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas.  He was born October 31, 1926 in Seminole, Oklahoma to parents August Tecumseh Harris and Lorene (Rooker) Harris. J.D. graduated from Varnum High School in 1947.  He then joined the United States Army right out of high school.  While in the Army he earned the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Philippine Independence Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, and 2 Overseas Service Bars.  J.D. had served in WWII, Korean War, Panama and in the Philippines.  J.D. earned the rank of Staff Sergeant during his service to our country serving 7 years, 9 months and 22 days. Following his Honorable Discharge, J.D. married the love of his life Mary Kathryn Harber on August 29, 1954 in Seminole, Oklahoma. J.D. went on to further his education earning his bachelor’s degree in education from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.  He then went on to earn his master’s degree in school administration from Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma. J.D. had worked as both a teacher and principal at Good Hope School in Seminole County.  He was an icon at Varnum Public School where he was both a teacher and principal from 1968 until 1983, teaching history, geography and government.  J.D. also taught drivers education for many summers in Seminole and Shawnee. J.D. worked with Herb Gunter operating the Seminole Municipal Swimming Pool.  J.D. would often let children in for free from time to time. J.D. loved to play golf every day after retirement, up to the age of 80, when one of his dear, close friends passed away. J.D. was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Seminole.  He was also a member of the retired teachers association. Survivors include one son, Jerald Donald Harris Jr. of Round Rock, Texas; one daughter, Kim Renee (Harris) Nguyen and her husband Mason Nguyen of Pearland, Texas; one sister, Carolyn Evans and her husband Everett “Jr.” Evans of Seminole, Oklahoma; one sister-in-law, Sue McBride and her husband Allan McBride of Enid, Oklahoma; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and a host of other family and dear friends. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents August Tecumseh Harris and Lorene (Rooker) Harris.  By his wife of 60 years Mary Kathryn (Harber) Harris, by two sons Jeff and Mark Harris, one daughter, Pamela Harris, by three brothers, James “Red” Harris, Paul K. “Cotton” Harris, Bobby Gene Harris and by one sister, Luann Black. Services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at the Historic Strother Chapel located in Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole, Oklahoma with military honors. Glen Williams will officiate the service.  J.D. will be laid to rest next to his precious daughter, Pamela Kay Harris and his loving wife, Mary Kathryn Harris. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: May 3, 2017, 3:00 PM Historic Strothers Chapel - Maple Grove Cemetery located at 1001 Strother Ave., Seminole, OK 74868