Dennis Robert Harris was born May 11, 1944, in Louisville, Ky., to Wilber Elliston Harris and Dorothy Frances (Darnell) Harris. He passed away on July 18, 2026, at the Aspire Senior Living Center in New Florence at the age of 82.
He moved with his family to Mineola in 1954 where he lived the rest of his life. Dennis graduated from Montgomery County High School in 1962 and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia for two years. On August 21, 1965, he was united in marriage to Gloria Jayne Benny. To this marriage were born two sons, Matthew Graham and Mark Robert.
Dennis worked with his dad on the family farm, Graham Cave Farms, Inc., for approximately 20 years, then started employment at the Callaway Nuclear Plant, retiring from Ameren UE in 2010. He served on the Montgomery County University of Missouri Extension Council and 15 years on the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District.
He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, working with the family’s small flock of sheep and setting limb lines on the Loutre River for catfish. Sometimes he was accompanied by his sons, grandchildren or friends. The largest catfish he caught was a 53-pound flathead. For many years, Dennis raised watermelons and cantaloupe, giving them away to friends and neighbors and taking pick-up loads to the nuclear plant for his co-workers.
Dennis enjoyed traveling and always took his family on an annual vacation, visiting almost all 50 states. He also traveled to Great Britain and several European countries.
He was an active member and deacon of the Mineola Baptist Church, serving as church clerk, trustee, children’s and adult Sunday School teacher. He also served on various committees.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Terry F. Harris, and a daughter-in-law Lori Harris. He is survived by his loving wife, Jayne; two sons, Matthew and Mark (Gaylee); three grandchildren, Cody Harris, Marissa (Joshua) Rolls, Rachel Harris; one great-granddaughter, Evelyn Rolls; one niece; and several nephews.
Visitation and funeral services were held on July 23 at Mineola Baptist Church. Rev. Jim Cline officiated the services. Interment was at the Montgomery City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mineola Baptist Church, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361
