William Lester Harris

William "Bill" Lester Harris, 84 years old of Marion, IL, passed away on December 17, 2020 at the VA Medical Center, Marion, IL. He was born March 27, 1936, in Watseka, IL. Bill was the son of James Clarence Harris and Anna nee, Butzow Harris.

Bill worked nine years as an electrician and technician for the United States AirForce. When Bill left the Airforce, he worked on the assembly line at a Ford Automobile Plant in Chicago, IL and later moved back to Watseka, IL and worked as a mechanic for the local Ford dealership until he retired. He later worked as a part-time mechanic for Binkley Farms. Bill married Claudette nee, Henderson Harris on July 20, 1957, they shared 62 years together until her passing on September 12, 2019. Bill and Claudette enjoyed league bowling for many years. Bill listened to country western music and tinkered with numerous John Deere tractors. He enjoyed watching tractor auctions and Nascar racing, his favorite driver was Bill Elliott. He often palled around the farm with his four- legged friend, affectionately known as "Killer." He loved to have visits with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Surviving are his two daughters, Pam (Tom) Ely, and Kim Menigoz; his son, Shane (Sandy) Harris; his grandchildren, Chad (Joy) Ely, Derek (Dominique) Ely, Jennifer (Matt) Uribe, Nic Menigoz (partner, Don Rich), Amy (Jason) Harris-Daniels; great grandchildren, Jocelyn Ely, Eliana Ely, Leila Ely, Mila Ely, Khanon Uribe, Jordana Uribe, Kinley Daniels, and Sawyer Daniels; his sisters, Susie (Richard) Boomgarden of Watseka, IL, and Carol Ann (Herb) Pichon of Danville, IL; his brothers-in-law, Gary Henderson of Jefferson City, MO, and Terry Binkley of Marion, IL; his sister-in-law, Virginia Harris of Anaheim Hills, California; good friend, Debbie Coyle; many nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife; his parents; his brothers Johnny, Jim (Beverly), and Clarence "Short" (Willa) Harris; his sisters-in-law, Yvonne Messier, Mary Henderson, Delores Henderson; his brothers-in-law, Tom Henderson and Dave Messier; his granddaughter, Amanda Harris; and his great- granddaughter Journey Uribe.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Goddard Chapel in Marion, IL and inurnment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to the Marion Veteran's Affairs, Community Living Center. For more information, please access our website, www.binkleyrossfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Binkley-Ross Funeral Home, under the direction of Joni Binkley-Ross and Monte Blue. 618-997-7771

Memorial Services
March 13, 2021
11:00 am
Goddard Chapel - Marion, IL
Inurnment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery