Roger Wayne Harrison

Roger Wayne Harrison, son of the late Burnis Nelson and Daisy Florene (Stites) Harrison, was born November 2, 1947 in Miller County, Missouri. As a young boy, he attended Madden Country School until the 8th grade. He then went to, and graduated from Crocker High School. On March 1, 1974, Roger was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Lynn Elam. They shared over 36 wonderful years together and were blessed with three children: Aaron, Jennifer and Matthew. Carol preceded him in death on December 30, 2010. Roger was a hardworking man. He worked for a time at McDonald Douglas and later opened a small engine shop with his brother Steve, in Swedeborg. Over the years, he drove a truck and was well known for his love of farming and his custom hay baling business. Since 1988, Roger served as the Pulaski County Assessor and has seen many changes in the county since his first election. In his spare time, Roger enjoyed being outdoors. You would find him either flying his remote control airplanes, cutting wood, seeing to his cattle or working on the farm. He recently purchased his Camaro and enjoyed rides in the countryside. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Richland, the Cattlemen’s Association, and the Missouri State Assessor's Association. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized in the Tavern Creek as a child. He also served as a Deacon at the Hawkeye Baptist Church for a number of years. Roger passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Fort Leonard Wood having attained the age of 65 years. Roger leaves to cherish his memory, his three children, Aaron Harrison (Jose) of Crocker, Jennifer Toole (Mike) of Crocker, and Matthew Harrison (Brittany) of Crocker; seven grandchildren, Courtney, Payton, Kaden, Reagan, Conner, Noah and Halle; three sisters, June Hensley of Oklahoma, Brenda Finch of Springfield, and Mary Jarboe of Springfield; a brother, Steve Harrison of Jefferson City; his father-in-law, Bill Elam of Richland; brother-in-law, David Elam of Richland; his sister-in-law, Laura Brock of Richland; a number of nieces and nephews and friend, Linda Warner. In addition to his parents and wife Carol, Roger was preceded in death by one brother: Jim Harrison. Roger loved spending time with his family. He was very concerned about his grandchildren and treasured every minute he spent with them. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was truly dedicated to Carol during her illness and put his life on hold to care for her during her illness. Roger was looking forward to a trip he had planned to Sturgis and Osh Kosh in the fall. He will truly be missed by all those that knew and loved him. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2013 in the First Baptist Church of Richland with Pastor Richard Harris officiating. Eulogy was read by Kim Henson. Serving as escorts were John Kinsley, Don Brandon, Danny Curry, Dennis Thornsberry, Tom Shattuck and Randy Stroud. Recorded music selections included, “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery, Richland, MO. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Roger Wayne Harrison and may be left at the funeral home.

Roger Wayne Harrison

November 2, 1947 - April 20, 2013