Rev. Darell D. “Bud” Harris, 92, formerly of Oswayo, PA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his daughter’s home in Cooperstown, PA.
Born May 4, 1928, in Duke Center, PA, he was the son of Carl and Lucille Brizzee Harris. At age 15, Darell found Christ and eventually went into full-time Christian ministry. As a young adult, he worked as a driller in the oil and gas fields and later as a welder at Air Preheater in Wellsville, NY. A Korean War Veteran, he served honorably with the US Army from 1950 – 1952, stationed in Germany. On November 23, 1952, in Ceres, PA, he married the former Elaine F. Loucks, who predeceased him on July 9, 2018. From 1960 – 1998, Darell and Elaine served in pastoral ministry under the American Sunday School Union, Evangelical United Brethren, United Methodist Church, and the Wesleyan Church. Known for his faithful service to the Lord, Pastor Harris delivered biblical messages spiced with many of his own experiences and illustrations. Evangelism and world missions were at the center of his ministry. Even in retirement, he continued until almost age 90 to minister through pulpit supply and two home Bible study groups. He loved reading and telling stories. In recent years, he authored his own book filled with stories and life experiences. He also enjoyed hunting, working with horses, making maple syrup, and having a dog at his side.
Surviving are: three daughters, Kay (Larry) Kilburn of Arcade, NY, Sue (Rahn) Hill of Cooperstown, PA, and Jan (Manuel) Rodriguez of Shiloh, IL; 13 grandchildren, Gregory Kilburn, Kurt (Nancy) Kilburn, Stacy (Troy) Cameron, Laura (Jared) Pierce, Matthew (Julie) Kilburn, Rebecca (Dustin) Mattocks, Kristin (Jameson) Walker, Kelly (Jerad) Koelle, Nicole (Martell) Montgomery, Juliane Rodriguez, Steven Rodriguez, Christopher Rodriguez, and Mary Rodriguez; 23 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert T. (Doris) Harris of Allegany, NY; nieces and nephews; and goddaughter, Suzanne Loucks (Ben) Codiga. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by an infant brother, R. Graydon Harris; a sister and brother-in-law, Corrine Y. (Hugh) Pearsall; and a nephew, Walter Harris.
A private graveside service will be held in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville, PA. A public memorial service will be held on a date and location to be announced.
Memorials may be made to Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 1020 Rag Hill Road, Genesee, PA 16923 or to Galilean Children’s Home, P.O. Box 880, Liberty, KY 42539.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
