Russell Harris

Russell Dean Harris, 83, of Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on May 10, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on October 11, 1941 in a farmhouse in Lancaster, Missouri to Lowell and Mary Howell Harris. At the age of 17 he joined the U.S. Navy in August of 1959. He retired on June 15, 1979 after serving 20 years. During his 20 years he served at many duty stations including Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey where he met Joann Cook. The couple married on October 20, 1962 at the Chapel of the Air. Russell was also stationed at a small Navy base in Edzell, Scotland, Suitland Weather Forecast Office in Suitland, Maryland; NSA in Washington, D.C.; Fort Meade, Maryland; Phu Bai, Vietnam; the USS Midway; and Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois during his career. Russell was able to see many countries while he was in the Navy such as Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan. After his Navy retirement, Russell worked at the Gilfillan Clinic in Bloomfield for several months before purchasing French’s Hamburger Inn in November 1979. Russell and Joann ran the popular Bloomfield restaurant for 13 years. Russell would go on to attend Indian Hills Community College receiving his associates degree and then attended Faith Baptist Bible College, graduating with a degree in Pastoral Studies, Greek, and counseling. From May 2000 until September 2007, he served as pastor of Norwoodville Baptist Church in Des Moines. From February of 2008 until March of 2013, he served as pastor for the First Baptist Church in Russell, Iowa. After returning to Bloomfield in April of 2014 he served on the Deacon Board at First Baptist Church and helped with the Whirlybirds after school program. Russell’s moto was “Love of country, love of God, and love of family.” He was a proud American Veteran. Russell loved Jesus. He wanted to make sure everyone he came in contact with went to church and knew the Lord. His love of family was beyond measure. He taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the value of hard work and commitment. “You just gotta do what you gotta do!” Russell taught the great grandchildren how to blow empty straw wrappers across the dinner table, how to fish, and how to have fun. He was always up for a game of 10-point pitch and he almost always had a bidding hand! Russell was very talented in many aspects. He loved all areas of arts and crafts. He was truly an artist. Russell and Joann have several paintings and drawings framed and hanging in their home that were done by him as well as several ceramic pieces. He was an avid wood worker, making a hope chests for his daughters, the cradle that his grandsons slept in, a gun case for his brother-in-law, plus many other projects around the house and for his family. Later in life, Russell and Joann took many trips out east to see his brother, Joe and his wife, Mary. He would also visit his sister-in-law, Irma and brother-in-law, Frank, as well as his nieces and nephews. He cherished all his family and those fun days together. Russell is survived by his wife, Joann Harris; two daughters, Denice Blaine of Kirksville, Missouri, Loretta “Lori” (Tanner Young) Taylor of St. Charles, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Luke (Nichole) Taylor of Blue Earth, Minnesota, Clint (Hanna) Taylor of St. Charles, Minnesota, Teagan Young of St. Charles, Minnesota, Deidre Blaine of Kirksville, Missouri; seven great-grandchildren, Jace Taylor, Jaxson Stricklen, Sophie Stricklen, Triggs Taylor, William Taylor, James Taylor, Berit Taylor; brother, Danny “Joe” (Mary) Harris of South Attleboro, Massachusetts; sister, Cathy Reinier of Ottumwa, Iowa; sister-in-law, Ruth (Dave) Brown of Rougemont, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Ray (Lisa) Cook of Drakesville, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, William Neal; two brothers, Francis and Billy Lee Harris; two sisters, Becky Ann Harris, Mary Beth Collier; three sisters-in-law, Irma Rios, Nancy Harris, Carole Raskie; one brother-in-law Frank Rios, and a son-in-law, Jeffrey Taylor. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield with Pastor Matt Froah officiating. Burial will be at the West Grove Cemetery in West Grove, Iowa. Graveside military rites will be performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 5-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be designated at a later date. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Russell Harris

October 11, 1941 - May 10, 2025